A councillor has formally objected to a scheme that would see new housing spring up on the eastern edg of a town.

An outline plan to demolish old sheds and create homes on green fields off East Busk Lane, Otley, along with an access road, has been submitted to Leeds City Council.

Although modest in scale, with 26 properties envisaged, some believe the proposal could represent the first stage of the long-anticipated 'east of Otley' development - a huge scheme involving hundreds of new buildings.

Town and ward councillors are both opposing the East Busk Lane plan on the grounds that it would have a negative impact on the area, generate traffic, and not provide the affordable homes the town needs.

They also believe it should not be considered until consultation over the new Local Development Framework, which is underway, has been completed.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) has now lodged a formal objection, stating: "There is currently a housing allocation process as part of the Local Development Framework in Otley - to accept a planning application on this site at this time would compromise that process.

"This is a greenfield site and there are brownfield sites in Otley that should be developed before any greenfield sites are considered.”