Hi everyone,

I am writing with some positive news: it appears that the current planning change application has been refused.

As many of you will know, the decision had been delayed since October, which suggests it was considered carefully and debated at length. During that time, we also continued to raise concerns with councillors and other local stakeholders.

Sadly the local MP Alex Sobel openly supported the application, and the local headingley counsellors stayed quiet on the matter. We are pleased that common sense and risk management has prevailed over politics and virtue signalling. 

This is the best possible outcome at this stage, as the current application has now been refused.

In our view, this is the right decision because the proposal represents a material change of use. Put simply, the plan would have benefited the property owners financially, with the site managed by Cushman & Wakefield and owned by a London-based property investment fund, while the impact would have been felt by our local community.

Many residents remain concerned about the potential effect on community safety, the character of the area, and local house prices. There is also concern about the cost to taxpayers, which could run to around £3–5 million per year, while also placing additional pressure on the local area. I really do not want to see this happen, and many feel it would be unfair on Headingley.

I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign so far. The support from local residents has made a real difference. Whether you signed the petition, shared information with neighbours, contacted councillors, raised concerns, or simply helped keep the conversation going, every single action has mattered. This outcome would not have been possible without the strength of feeling and determination shown across the community.

That said, this is not the time to rest on our laurels. Although this is very encouraging news, it may not be the end of the matter. Please continue to share the petition, keep raising awareness, and stay engaged. The more visible and united the community remains, the stronger our position will be if any revised or new application is brought forward. Continued support will be vital in making sure decision-makers understand that local concerns have not gone away.

There are a few possible next steps:

They could submit a new application for a similar change.
They could move to a full planning application, which would allow for much deeper consultation and more detailed feedback from the community.
They could decide not to proceed any further.

Fingers crossed it is one of the latter two options.

If you have any further information, questions, or advice, please get in touch at:

concernedresidentsheadingley@proton.me