Group agrees on draft plan for future blueprint covering building in suburb

A DRAFT plan setting out priorities for the future of a Leeds suburb has been formalised by a community group.

After years of hard work and consultation within the suburb, a draft Headingley Neighbourhood Plan (HNP) has now been put together and will be presented at a meeting of the HNP forum steering group tomorrow.

The plan, when finished and approved, will become a blueprint for Leeds City Council planners when they consider applications for the area.

The document states: “Our vision is of Headingley as a vibrant, inclusive, sustainable community which supports everyone’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“A place with good-quality housing; good access to walking, exercise and play; strong communities providing mutual support and a thriving town centre and local economy serving our local residents and welcoming visitors and workers.”

The plan lists its objectives as making sure housing stock meets the needs of more people, including old, young and those with disabilities; preserving and improving the suburb’s heritage and maintaining and growing green space.

The plan also aims to improve Headingley’s sense of community.

It says: “Some of our design suggestions, as they contribute to walking and mobility, will also contribute to social interaction, which in turn has the potential to reduce loneliness, a contributor to ill health.”