SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

On a recent walk across the Valley on the Seacroft Hospital side, we saw lots of white spray paint markings across the footpath which appears to lead straight up from the rail crossing nearer Leeds straight up to the York Road exit which has been well overgrown at the York Road end. I think the developers are hoping that this is the only footpath locals will remember when they come to develop as they have a sign up which states ' PRIVATE LAND. Access prohibited except for the use of the marked footpath which is with the express permission of Homes and Communities Agency and may be withdrawn at any time. 'When checking on the definitive map all these footpaths appear to be non-definitive. Does this mean all those footpaths across this meadow will be lost at their whim?Does anyone know at what stage is the planning for the housing on the meadow?

urban rambler wrote: On a recent walk across the Valley on the Seacroft Hospital side, we saw lots of white spray paint markings across the footpath which appears to lead straight up from the rail crossing nearer Leeds straight up to the York Road exit which has been well overgrown at the York Road end. I think the developers are hoping that this is the only footpath locals will remember when they come to develop as they have a sign up which states ' PRIVATE LAND. Access prohibited except for the use of the marked footpath which is with the express permission of Homes and Communities Agency and may be withdrawn at any time. 'When checking on the definitive map all these footpaths appear to be non-definitive. Does this mean all those footpaths across this meadow will be lost at their whim?Does anyone know at what stage is the planning for the housing on the meadow? The 'Developers' have been trying to force a pathway of their preference complete with the signs you mention for at least4 years now. From the definitive map it does indeed seem that the footpath I remember well, from approaching 60 years ago, should be maintained and managed, thus any attempt to restrict it is surely an offence.The path was separated from what were playing fields/football pitches and the hospital land to the east by high metal railings (at least, they seemed high back then!). These seem to have been removed completely now, though I do have photographic evidence of their existence, more correctly perhaps, their remains, at the rail track end, taken in 2010.A formal approach to LCC does now seem to be appropriate to determine just what the situation and intentions are in their eyes - perhaps Councillor Gruen may be able to enlighten us.https://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon2008/6955892748/    

In the current list of Active Threads it states the last post to this thread was "By: chameleon On: 04-Sep-2014 10:43" but there does not seem to be any new posts to the thread since September 3rd. I wonder if there is an error in SL or with my system? It's very curious!

Yes, I was surprised to see that - I actually posted at 2130 Sept 3!! At the same time there were access problems with our old friend 'application error' message coming up - but all seemed to resolve itself shortly after.

chameleon wrote: urban rambler wrote: On a recent walk across the Valley on the Seacroft Hospital side, we saw lots of white spray paint markings across the footpath which appears to lead straight up from the rail crossing nearer Leeds straight up to the York Road exit which has been well overgrown at the York Road end. I think the developers are hoping that this is the only footpath locals will remember when they come to develop as they have a sign up which states ' PRIVATE LAND. Access prohibited except for the use of the marked footpath which is with the express permission of Homes and Communities Agency and may be withdrawn at any time. 'When checking on the definitive map all these footpaths appear to be non-definitive. Does this mean all those footpaths across this meadow will be lost at their whim?Does anyone know at what stage is the planning for the housing on the meadow? The 'Developers' have been trying to force a pathway of their preference complete with the signs you mention for at least4 years now. From the definitive map it does indeed seem that the footpath I remember well, from approaching 60 years ago, should be maintained and managed, thus any attempt to restrict it is surely an offence.The path was separated from what were playing fields/football pitches and the hospital land to the east by high metal railings (at least, they seemed high back then!). These seem to have been removed completely now, though I do have photographic evidence of their existence, more correctly perhaps, their remains, at the rail track end, taken in 2010.A formal approach to LCC does now seem to be appropriate to determine just what the situation and intentions are in their eyes - perhaps Councillor Gruen may be able to enlighten us.https://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon2008/6955892748/     Good luck with that - do let us know how you get on.I'm sure there is something in the relevant law about actual use of footpaths (and other green spaces) where if you can prove use going back a number of years then it can make all the difference. Of course, it's a concern that the people responsible for these definitions are the same people who are responsible for upkeep and changes of use...