BRADFORD Council is to ask for several major changes to plans for a controversial housing scheme at Menston's old High Royds Hospital site.

Councillor Chris Greaves sketched out the comments the authority has made to The Raven Group's 560-home proposals at the latest meeting of Menston Neighbourhood Forum.

Referring to a draft document drawn up by the council, which will be passed to Leeds planners next month, Coun Greaves said a 'two inches thick' document had been compiled about traffic issues alone.

The effect of all the new homes on the surrounding roads has been the major concern for many local residents since the project was first touted.

Similar worries also spurred Aireborough MP Paul Truswell recently to warn that the

project could cause a 'traffic disaster'. Coun Greaves said Menston's MP, Chris Leslie, was also keen to hear any comments from residents about the plans.

Meanwhile, Bradford Council is likely to include the following recommendations in the comments it will pass to Leeds on November 19:

*That the landscaping work mentioned in the plans be done at the beginning of the five-year building development, not the end

*That natural stone be used more extensively, especially on those parts of the scheme close to Bingley Road

*That the height of some of the buildings be reduced from three storeys to two storeys

*That a full survey of the site be carried out by drainage consultants before any work begins. Coun Greaves said the Council would also be pressing for some form of 'recreation compensation' for the village.

He said: "We'll want some money from them for upgrading the park, because there's not going to be any on-site facilities there."

He also stressed that anyone wishing to write with objections to or suggested alterations for the plans should not forget the scale of the traffic issue.

"This will generate more than 1,000 traffic movements a day," he told the meeting, "so please bear that in mind if you write in."

The planning process for High Royds is complicated due to the fact that it's on the border between the Bradford and Leeds authorities.

But Leeds City Council planners, who will have the final say, have already given a favourable response to the main thrust of the scheme.