Residents in backlash over plans for 300 homes

DEVELOPERS ARE facing a backlash from residents after submitting plans to build nearly 300 homes surrounding woodland on the outskirts of a Yorkshire city.

Campaigners have now held two group meetings over the fresh plans by West Ardsley Development Consortium for land off Westerton Road and Haigh Moor Road in the West Ardsley village on the edge of Leeds.

The outline planning application is seeking permission to build up to 299 homes on the land, which campaigners have claimed would “erode” green space in the area.

More than 50 objections against the plans have been submitted to Leeds City Council since the start of last month.

Councillors also attended a public meeting in January, where more than 300 residents turned out, to discuss concerns over the proposals.

And last week, West Ardsley Action Group, which opposes the plans, held a second meeting at West Ardsley Methodist Church.

Coun Jack Dunn, an independent member who represents the Ardsley and Robin Hood ward, said: “This proposal will no doubt attract a great deal of local objection; it will erode what is left of a lovely local green area.

“It would also be unsustainable and highways issues would be a major concern.

“I would ask local residents to send in their views to planning.”

A planning statement, prepared by Walker Morris on behalf of the applicant, said: “The proposed development would provide 299 dwellings on the site and significant improvements to the landscape and management of the central wooded valley.”

It urged the council to grant the applicant conditional outline planning permission.

The statement said plans outlined within a design and access statement show that “a high-quality design and sense of place and space could be delivered”.

The plans include provision for 45 affordable homes, according to the planning statement.