CAMPAIGNERS who fought to save a 'unique' greenbelt site in Rawdon are calling on the public to support them again as a final deadline looms.

More than 1,400 people have already objected to the land being earmarked for 130 homes - a figure which was subsequently reduced to 25 dwellings. Now opponents are being urged to object again in time for the final deadline of March 27.

Rawdon Greenbelt Action Group says any development of the land, which is on the edge of the Cragg Wood conservation area, would be the thin edge of a dangerous wedge and would have implications for the whole of Leeds.

The group's chairman Briony Sloan said a final public consultation was currently taking place, seeking comments on changes made to Leeds City Council's Site Allocation Plan following a consultation in 2015.

She said: "The Rawdon Green Belt site - called HG2-12 - was the only one which was reduced in size, from an allocation of 130 dwellings to 25. Should we be pleased? Well the Council have listened to Heritage England's concerns, which is encouraging of course, but no, we cannot be happy.

"The site quite simply should never have been put in at all. It is in a highly sensitive position, on the edge of the Cragg Wood conservation area, a precious and unique asset for the whole of Leeds. It is in a highly prominent position in the landscape. If this is allocated for 25 houses, the message is, it’s ok to build in the setting of all Leeds conservation areas, full stop. It is the thin end of a very dangerous wedge.

"How many people use the wood for leisure? At no cost? Walkers, cyclists, runners, family conkering trips. It’s part of Leeds Country Way, and is in a designated Special Landscape Area. Views to and from this site - views from Calverley conservation area across the valley are particularly incredible - are quite simply stunning, and totally unique."

She said developers had been approaching local farmers and land owners asking them to name their price for land.

She stressed: "We urge anyone who knows Cragg Wood, and it’s value to Aireborough, to object to the allocation of HG2-12, because any development there is harmful, and damages the heritage of this unique place.

"1,400 people objected to its inclusion in November 2015. Those 1,400 need to object again. Their original objection does not count."

The deadline for comments is 5pm on Monday, March 27. Email SAP@leeds.gov.uk or write to:

SAP Pre-Submission Changes, Policy and Plans Group, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD.