Development on the Cragg Hill Quarry site.

Published: 27 March 2026

Horsforth Town Council is aware of ongoing activities on the land known as Cragg Hill Quarry. The town council have recently objected to proposals to construct executive-style housing on the land as part of planning applications 23/03159/OT and 24/02440/OT, as well as subsequent appeal APP/N4720/W/25/3359261. These applications and subsequent appeal were all refused. Additionally, the town council have also objected to inclusion of this site in the Leeds City Council (LCC) Site Allocation Plan as part of the recent consultation. The town council are also aware of a prior application for construction of a sports hall, application H27/172/89/, which was granted on appeal. 

Cragg Hill and Woodside Conservation Area

The town council recognises that this land is part of the Cragg Hill and Woodside Conservation Area, and that it is recognised as a key green area in the Conservation Area management plan. Additionally, the importance of the green space and associated views across it are recognised in the adopted Neighbourhood Plan as part of policy BE1 – Area 4. The town council believes any development will adversely affect this key green space and associated key views.

The town council also recognises that several non-definitive footpaths currently run across this land. Development of this land is likely to lead to the loss of these footpaths, which would run counter to the adopted Neighbourhood Plan policy TT3 as well as policy BE1 - Area 4 (which states that movement through green space should not be restricted due to development). 

The land is also an important source of biodiversity, with numerous high-quality trees located on the perimeter of the site. Any development is likely to adversely impact the root protection areas of these trees, which is likely to have knock-on impacts on protected species (bats) as well as other habitats (including badgers).

Finally, the town council also recognises the concerns of residents with regards to highway safety. Wood Lane is unsuitable for significant volumes of traffic, particularly given the sheer drop behind Craggwood Terrace. 

The town council therefore deplores any development on this important green space and resolves to act, where possible, to challenge this.