A STRATEGY for developing rugby in Leeds has been branded 'outrageous' for ignoring Otley Rugby Club.

Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) attacked a report on improving rugby facilities in the city - entitled The Way Forward - for not taking into account smaller clubs in the area.

The strategy maps out city-wide plans for the grounds of Rugby League club Leeds Rhinos, Rugby Union club Leeds Tykes, and the creation of a rugby academy in Bramhope.

But Coun Coyne told Leeds City Council's Development Control (West) Panel on Tuesday that he objected to the strategy claiming to be for Leeds, when outlying clubs had not been mentioned.

"I'm sick and tired of the myopia which doesn't take into account the contribution that Otley makes to the city," said Coun Coyne.

"It's a significant team within the area, which has a substantial training

programme of huge benefit to many children, and has worked very well with the local school, Prince Henry's."

The strategy - drawn after discussions between Leeds clubs and council officers - includes plans to amalgamate West Park Bramhope Rugby Club and Leeds Rugby Union Club, and create new facilities for a Leeds Tykes academy at West Park Bramhope's ground, The Sycamores.

Councillors attacked the plan's priorities, asking why a squad of young academy players had already been named, while many local clubs and councillors had not yet been fully consulted.

Coun Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) described the strategy as 'pathetic', and said it included little discussion of money.

However, panel chairman, Councillor Malcolm Bedford (Lab,Wortley), said the report gave all the information councillors had requested at an earlier meeting.

He said: "This report is what we asked for. It says what is going to happen on the proposed pitches. I think it's unfortunate it has been named Rugby in Leeds, as there are Otley and a lot of other clubs which haven't been named in the report."

The panel agreed to note the report with councillors' observations. No planning applications have yet been received for The Sycamores.