Purchase order made for road plan
COUNCIL BOSSES in Leeds could force through the sale of dozens of pieces of privately owned land as part of work on a major new transport project.
Leeds City Council yesterday confirmed it has put in place a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for about 60 sites that it needs for the proposed East Leeds Orbital Road.
The sites lie along the route chosen for the 4.6-mile dual carriageway, which will run from the A6120 Leeds Outer Ring Road at Red Hall down as far as Thorpe Park, near junction 46 of the M1.
Talks are already under way between the council and affected landowners, with civic leaders saying they anticipate agreements being reached without any need to fall back on the powers that come with the CPO.
Coun Richard Lewis, the council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “This is one of the biggest infrastructure schemes Leeds has seen for several decades, supporting development of a significant area of housing and employment growth.
“That is why it is important the council takes the necessary and appropriate steps to ensure progress is made, as well as making sure all statutory procedures are followed.”
The East Leeds Orbital Road is a key element of the infrastructure required for the East Leeds Extension, a development of 5,000 new homes around the edge of Swarcliffe, Whinmoor and Crossgates.