Post by SheWolf on Apr 12, 2006 15:27:12 GMT 1
Pictue and full article here
Actor who plays soap dodgy property dealer blasts plans for canal basin
BY DEBBIE LEIGH
TELEVISION wheeler and dealer tycoon Jimmy King is usually to be found sailing close to the Emmerdale wind trying to cut dodgy property deals.
In real life the actor who plays him, Nick Miles, has very real scruples about the dangers of development and threats to heritage – and blasted a decision to build homes, hotels and offices on one of Leeds's most industrially historic sites.
Mr Miles told the YEP developers were "desecrating our history" with their plans for Leeds Canal Basin.
He was horrifed when he read in the YEP that the city centre plans panel had backed the project. He said: "They are going to brutalise what is an ancient, historical spot. It made me really sad. It's the wrong development, in the wrong place.
Contrasts
"Every time I walk over there at weekends it is full of youngsters with their dads coarse fishing. I think that's a great thing – this will take that facility away.
"The plans get a big thumbs down from me.
"It's not like Leeds is short of brownfield sites."
His attitude contrasts sharply with his Emmerdale character who currently has the other villagers up in arms over his new project – a major housing development.
Last week city planners approved in principle the housing, hotel and office development despite bitter opposition from conservation organisations including Leeds Civic Trust, English Heritage and Friends of the Earth.
The development includes a 14-storey hotel, 22-storey and 14-storey apartment blocks, a footbridge over the River Aire and boat moorings.
Campaigners said Leeds would be missing a chance to create a Covent Garden of the North – a place of entertainment, cafes, galleries and shops.
Mr Miles said he would prefer that to the plans now in place but ideally he thought it should be preserved as "a beauty spot".
Drama
"It could simply be parkland if it just had a place for kids to play and some benches. It's a beautiful place to have a bit of open space in the centre of Leeds.
"With the drama of the Dark Arches next to it, it's a great place to visit."
After joining the Yorkshire soap the actor bought a flat at the award-winning Round Foundry in Holbeck – and said it was a perfect example of how to redevelop an area without losing its heritage.
Kevin Grady, Leeds Civic Trust director, said he was delighted someone with a high profile was prepared to speak out about the plans.
He added: "Everything that anybody can say about their feelings on the proposals will be welcome. I felt sure that if the general public were aware of what was involved they would be horrified."
A model of the canal basin scheme is on show at the Dark Arches until April 21.
Actor who plays soap dodgy property dealer blasts plans for canal basin
BY DEBBIE LEIGH
TELEVISION wheeler and dealer tycoon Jimmy King is usually to be found sailing close to the Emmerdale wind trying to cut dodgy property deals.
In real life the actor who plays him, Nick Miles, has very real scruples about the dangers of development and threats to heritage – and blasted a decision to build homes, hotels and offices on one of Leeds's most industrially historic sites.
Mr Miles told the YEP developers were "desecrating our history" with their plans for Leeds Canal Basin.
He was horrifed when he read in the YEP that the city centre plans panel had backed the project. He said: "They are going to brutalise what is an ancient, historical spot. It made me really sad. It's the wrong development, in the wrong place.
Contrasts
"Every time I walk over there at weekends it is full of youngsters with their dads coarse fishing. I think that's a great thing – this will take that facility away.
"The plans get a big thumbs down from me.
"It's not like Leeds is short of brownfield sites."
His attitude contrasts sharply with his Emmerdale character who currently has the other villagers up in arms over his new project – a major housing development.
Last week city planners approved in principle the housing, hotel and office development despite bitter opposition from conservation organisations including Leeds Civic Trust, English Heritage and Friends of the Earth.
The development includes a 14-storey hotel, 22-storey and 14-storey apartment blocks, a footbridge over the River Aire and boat moorings.
Campaigners said Leeds would be missing a chance to create a Covent Garden of the North – a place of entertainment, cafes, galleries and shops.
Mr Miles said he would prefer that to the plans now in place but ideally he thought it should be preserved as "a beauty spot".
Drama
"It could simply be parkland if it just had a place for kids to play and some benches. It's a beautiful place to have a bit of open space in the centre of Leeds.
"With the drama of the Dark Arches next to it, it's a great place to visit."
After joining the Yorkshire soap the actor bought a flat at the award-winning Round Foundry in Holbeck – and said it was a perfect example of how to redevelop an area without losing its heritage.
Kevin Grady, Leeds Civic Trust director, said he was delighted someone with a high profile was prepared to speak out about the plans.
He added: "Everything that anybody can say about their feelings on the proposals will be welcome. I felt sure that if the general public were aware of what was involved they would be horrified."
A model of the canal basin scheme is on show at the Dark Arches until April 21.
