The Home Office plans to convert Mary Morris House on Shire Oak Road from student accommodation into non-student housing without proper planning, safety checks, or community consultation.

This decision has serious consequences for local families, students, women, and our community:

Why We’re Concerned

🧒 Children’s Safety – Mary Morris House is just yards from local primary schools. We cannot risk putting children at greater danger without proper assessments.

🎓 Impact on Student Life – Headingley is a student-focused area, with services and policing designed for young residents. Sudden changes threaten the balance of our community.

🍻 Pubs & Nightlife – With the Otley Run and dozens of pubs nearby, this proposal risks increased tension and safety issues around heavy drinking hotspots.

👩 Women’s Safety – Many women walk alone here at night. Sudden occupancy changes without added security measures put them at greater risk.

⚠️ Far-Right Protest Risk – Similar decisions across the UK have sparked far-right demonstrations near asylum housing. We do not want Headingley’s streets, schools, and students caught up in violent protests and intimidation.

What We’re Demanding

We call on Leeds City Council and the Home Office to:

Pause the proposal immediately.

Carry out full planning and safety assessments before any change of use.
Hold public consultations with parents, schools, students, and residents.
Protect Headingley’s safety, cohesion, and community balance.

Why It Matters

Headingley is a diverse, welcoming, and vibrant area. But decisions like this—made without listening to residents—risk:

Increased safety concerns for women, children, and students.

Far-right protests that bring fear and division into our streets.
Tensions around pubs, nightlife, and public spaces.

We must act before it’s too late. Sign this petition to demand proper planning, transparency, and protection for our community.

📢 Sign. Share. Speak up.

Together, we can keep Headingley safe, cohesive, and welcoming.