What is EASEL?
East and South East Leeds (EASEL) is the name given to the long term regeneration plans for the area.
Is my home in the EASEL area?
The EASEL area includes the eastern part of the inner city to the north and south of the A64 - York Road. It covers 1700 hectares and has a population of 79,000 people living in 36,500 households. The area includes the communities of Burmantofts and Richmond Hill, Gipton, Harehills, Seacroft, Osmondthorpe and Halton Moor.
Is EASEL mainly about new housing?
EASEL is not just about building new houses. Priority areas that will form the basis for project development and investment are;
Quality of Place: New housing including remodelling of terraced areas, improving street scene and amenities, new and improved green spaces.
Learning: School performance and family support.
Affordable and Social Housing: Responding to the needs of older residents, attracting former residents back into the area and addressing rehousing needs.
Local Economic Development: Tackling worklessness, raising incomes, promoting enterprise and inward investment.
New Neighbourhoods: Neighbourhood centres providing convenient, high quality retail and services.
‘Flagship’ Schemes: New leisure, commercial and public open space attractions.
How will EASEL be delivered?
We know that we have to make some major decisions to bring in the amount of investment needed to make a real difference to local people. We are entering into a partnership with a private developer called Bellway Homes, a house builder with extensive experience of working on regeneration schemes across the UK. The money received from the sale of land will let us regenerate this part of Leeds.
When will EASEL start?
It has already started in Gipton with the Amberton Park Homebuy (shared equity) scheme in Lower Gipton Crescent which is being developed by Gladedale Homes. This scheme is being managed by East North East Homes Leeds, the local arms length management organisation (ALMO) responsible for managing the council’s housing stock in this part of the city.
Are any other areas already affected?
Developments will shortly begin on other sites that have already been fully or partially cleared. In Gipton, 6 sites (along with 2 in Seacroft) have been earmarked for new housing by Bellways during 2008. This development will result in 743 new homes in the area (111 homes which will be affordable housing).
Where will you be developing next?
Decisions have not yet been made about future phases of development. Any decision will be guided by the Area Action Plan and only after more detailed local consultation has taken place.
During 2008 further consultation will take place on the AAP. In addition, we will also commence neighbourhood planning across the whole EASEL area to consider the proposals in more detail. This process will start in Seacroft and Halton Moor this spring and will continue into Richmond Hill, Gipton and Harehills towards the end of the year and into 2009. Neighbourhood planning will be used to determine what new investment is needed and whether or not demolition is required.
Will my house have to be demolished to make way for future development?
To regenerate east Leeds, the council is looking at which areas may be suitable for future development. However it is important to emphasise that the Council has identified enough sites in the EASEL area to support development for about the next ten years. This relates to land which is already cleared or where it has been announced for clearance by East North East Homes Leeds (the Arms Length Organisation responsible for managing Council housing in this area).
When and how will I know if you decide to demolish my house?
The area action plan will provided comprehensive guidance on how and when proposals for the area will be developed over the next 15–20 years. This will include areas which have been identified for action within the lifetime of the plan. It is important to be clear what this means as far as demolition is concerned. The plan does not aim to define precisely where and when demolition will occur. As the plan's Preferred Options report makes clear that is the purpose of the Neighbourhood Planning process which will say exactly what will happen in your area and how it will happen. The Neighbourhood Plans will be subject to full consultation with local residents before to any decisions being made.
Meetings are already starting to take place, in partnership with our local ward members, to look at the best ways to engage local residents through the neighbourhood planning process. We are committed to ensuring residents are not shocked or surprised about what happens and that they will have the opportunity to take part in shaping decisions. Any decisions about whether or not any future demolition is required will not take place until after the Neighbourhood Planning has been completed
As a tenant, if you decide to demolish my home, what happens to me?
The council will talk to you about finding a home that meets your needs if your property is identified for demolition and you are an ALMO or housing association tenant. You will also receive a statutory Home Loss Payment. If you wish to stay in the same area, the council will try to make sure this happens. If you are a private tenant who has lived in the property for at least 12 months (and have a secured/assured tenancy) you will also receive a statutory home loss payment.
As a home owner, if you decide to demolish my home, what happens to me?
If, in the future, your home is earmarked for demolition, a surveyor acting on behalf of the council will value your home so that we can make you an offer for your property. In addition, the council is obliged to pay a statutory Home Loss Payment to homeowners affected by demolition and who have occupied their present property for at least 12 months.
As a home owner, will I still be able to sell my house on the open market?
At this stage, the EASEL proposals should not affect the value of anyone’s home or your ability to sell. We are starting discussions with estate agents and mortgage providers to make them fully aware of the proposals and other relevant facts about EASEL.
If you have any questions, please use the email address at the top of this page to contact us.