HUNDREDS of protesters took to the streets of Aireborough in a bid to protect their green belt.

Campaigners called for “joined up thinking, not joined up communities” during two marches in the area on Sunday.

A total of about 500 people took part in the protests to defend the green buffer zone between Menston and Guiseley, and around Rawdon.

The marchers, including many from Horsforth, assembled with their placards at Jubilee Hall to begin their 3.5 mile route around nine sites, all of which are allocated or have been reserved for housing by Leeds City Council.

The event was also joined by local councillors and the area’s former MP Stuart Andrew.

Campaigners say the sites covered on the march have capacity for more than 1,600 houses, with two thirds on green belt land, if the council’s latest housing proposals go ahead.

In a joint statement Rawdon Greenbelt Action Group co-founders Briony Sloan and Martin Fincham said: “It was absolutely amazing. We think there were between 300 and 400 on the march this afternoon.”

They added: “It was so good to see the full age range, from so many little communities, from across two cities, coming together in the most horrendous conditions – it just shows how strongly everyone feels about this critical issue. If these plans go ahead, the defining character of our greenbelt landscape will be lost forever.

“Saying ‘no’ to the over-development of green belt is not just about protecting it for ourselves.”

The group added: “It’s about making sure future generations benefit from open space, green pastureland and fields, becks, wildlife and rustic woods and hedgerows.”
Liz Kirkpatrick, who organised the Guiseley and Menston protest, said the turnout on Sunday had been good despite poor weather conditions. She said: “Some had made their own banners and placards and all were very much against development on green belt land in Guiseley and Menston.
“If the Ings are built on, then the communities of Guiseley and Menston will have merged and the green belt buffer between destroyed, contrary to government guidelines with regard to green belt.
“We want to make Leeds City Council think again about allowing developers to build on green belt before all the brown field sites are used up, wherever they may be in Leeds. The youngest participant was one and the oldest 92 with every age in between. Everyone, young and old will be affected by the overdevelopment in Aireborough.”
Dr David Ingham, chairman of Ward (Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development), said the area’s marches were a resounding success.
He called on Leeds City Council to revise the “ridiculous” 70,000 housing target before the site allocations process was completed.
“The people have clearly demonstrated their concern over the possible loss of green belt. Their community voice on planning must be heard,” he said. “Let’s hope that Leeds and Bradford city councils listen. And think again.”