Roundhay Planning Forum was formed in 2005 by a small group of residents, concerned that the essential character of the area was being undermined by a series of planning applications seeking to infill and intensify development in the ward. Residents also recognised that opposing single planning applications, while sometimes successful, did not address longer term and strategic concerns about the built environment in Roundhay. What was needed was a more strategic approach to determining what needed to be built in the ward, and where. Issues such as the quality and consistency of materials were also seen to be important in preserving the existing fabric, as well as encouraging and welcoming new developments of an appropriate character. It was from these concerns that the commitment to develop a ward-wide Neighbourhood Design Statement (NDS) was born. Supported by Leeds City Council, the Roundhay Planning Forum led the development of the NDS, involving considerable input from the community. In 2011 the NDS was adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by the Council, and as such is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications, as well as forming part of the Local Development Framework for Leeds. The Forum is not, and never has been, a NIMBY organisation. We recognise that change happens, and is in many cases desirable and hugely positive. We work to ensure that change is thoughtful, and managed sensitively, to ensure that we gain developments of quality and do not lose buildings and features of value.
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