PEOPLE in Aireborough are being urged to donate £10 each to ward off a “major threat” to the green belt.

Campaigners have launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £40,000 to pay for a legal battle to save four areas of green belt which they say will be “deleted” by Leeds City Council’s Site Allocation Plan. Almost £12,000 has been raised so far to pay for a judicial review, in a bid to save sites on Ings Lane, Wills Gill, Hollins Hill at Guiseley, and Victoria Avenue at Yeadon from the threat of development.

The appeal has been launched by Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum and the deadline for starting the judicial review process is August 21.

Spokeswoman Jennifer Kirkby said: “So far we are nearing the £12,000 mark, this will enable the claim to be filed with a court – so that is stage one. There is still a long way to go through to raise the £28,000 extra for the hearings.”

The appeal is being supported by Aireborough Civic Society, which is warning that there are just weeks left to save the green belt from the threat of 475 houses.

Chairman Clive Woods said the costs and timescale made funding the judicial review a massive challenge.

He added: “But if 4,000 people each donate £10 then we shall be able to go ahead and try to overturn the decision.”

Ms Kirkby said: “People have been brilliant, they are so upset and concerned. This really isn’t about not building houses, Aireborough actually needs more smaller houses for young people and for downsizers, but these can be found on smaller brownfield sites in the area and conversions of old buildings.”

After the appeal was launched a Leeds City Council spokesman said:”We recognise that people care deeply about their local area and understand there will always be concerns about any new proposals. However, the government-appointed independent inspectors concluded that the Site Allocations Plan is sound, legally compliant and provides an appropriate basis for planning the city.”