The 18th century saw the building of large villas in the fields overlooking the Aire valley for rich merchants to enjoy the fresh air and the river views and several still exist: Little Woodhouse Hall, Claremont, Denison Hall, Belle Vue House and Springfield House were all built before 1820. Denison Hall set at the top of Hanover Square is the only ashlar stone-faced building in the area (Grade II*).
The other early large villas in the area have been surrounded by later developments. The development of smaller villas along Clarendon Road, Hyde Terrace and Springfield Mount are set in small well landscaped gardens bounded by brick walls capped with stone.
It is important to retain the original attractive architecture of the Victorian Villas set in their garden surrounds, even as many are converted into multi occupation. Care should be taken over external aspects such as garden maintenance, bin storage and parking.
Little Woodhouse Neighbourhood Plan 