Claude Hendrickson, who shared the Chapeltown story at the exhibition, said: “It shows both what’s possible when communities are trusted and how easily opportunities can be shut down.
“Sadly, mine is just one of many stories across the country with a similar ending.”
He added: “For every ‘yes’ communities get, there are one million ‘nos’ – and that can be hugely discouraging for local people who simply want to make their places better.”
“The garden that never grew” was a community group in Gipton hoping to create a shared community space where residents could grow food and host events.
However, organisers said it failed for several reasons, including “poor communication between council departments”.
Rich Bell, director of the We’re Right Here campaign, said: “It’s heart-breaking to see so many brilliant community projects that could have changed lives but never got the chance.
“These stories show the human cost of a system that sidelines local people, even when they have the skills and vision to make a difference.”
He added: The bill is a once in a generation opportunity to put community voice at the heart of the devolution agenda – if we get this right, we can unlock the creativity and energy that already exists in every town and neighbourhood across the country.”