An attempt by Leeds city council to protect three historic freight wharves from residential development has been set back after a High Court ruling.
The site, off Bridgewater Road South, is home to a rail line used to transport minerals from the Yorkshire Dales.
Towngate Estates says freight use of the Stourton Point site, which fronts the Aire and Calder Canal, is unviable and is pushing for housing on the site.
Leeds had argued that, as one of few canals capable of carrying large freight barges, protecting the site was in line with government plans to switch from road to rail and canal freight transport.
However, Judge Penelope Belcher ruled that two council planning policies on which the council as basing its decision to protect the site were unlawful.
The council had agreed to review the position in five years’ time. The decision will now be referred to a planning inspector.
chris.berkin@estatesgazette.com
