Post war demand for social housing lead to the building of the early parts of the Hallfields Estate in the 1950s.

To the North of the estate further houses were built in the 1960s by the Home Office for use by staff at the nearby Wetherby Young Offenders Institution.

Recent problems with anti-social behaviour, particularly around the playing fields, local shops and the Freemans Way underpass have led to Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police engaging in a programme of community consultation and increasing police foot-patrols.

In June 2013 the Mason Fields playground was closed by councillors due to public health concerns after the site had been occupied by travellers.

Parts of the amenity, as well as the adjacent cemetery, had been used as toilet facilities and the play equipment had been damaged.