A CENTRE of excellence for West Yorkshire's elite young rugby players could be built in Bramhope, it has been revealed.

Planning officers are in discussions with Leeds rugby clubs about setting up a training academy at the West Park Bramhope Rugby Club ground, The Sycamores.

And it is hoped a merger between the Bramhope club and Leeds RUFC amateur club will lead to a revival of some teams - including a women's side and a veterans' side.

The academy is said to include a new clubhouse, gymnasium, lecture rooms, changing rooms, an all-weather pitch, and other training facilities.

But Leeds Tykes say their plans are not concrete, and they are looking at The Sycamores among a number of possible sites.

According to a planning strategy document sent by the council's acting development control manager Martin Sellens to city councillor Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale), the centre will recruit academy managers and development officers who will be based at the ground, to train 'elite' Under 17s and Under 21s teams.

Coun Fox said he would reserve his judgement on the development until after he had seen the detailed plans - but urged caution in developing a green belt site.

"It's difficult to comment without seeing the plans, but I'm very cautious, because the West Park Bramhope Rugby ground is part of a sensitive green belt area," he said.

"I would need a lot of persuading that an artificial pitch would be acceptable in place of green sward, and I would also need a lot of persuading that more floodlights would be acceptable on that facility."

Coun Fox said much would depend upon the views of residents living near the leafy ground.

"It could move from a relatively sleepy area in terms of activity, to a much higher level of activity," he said.

A spokesman for Leeds Tykes confirmed that The Sycamores is one of a number of sites being looked at for a rugby academy.

He said the development of an academy is being studied in conjunction with national Rugby Union officials in Twickenham - who hope to set up a series of regional academies.

Leeds Rugby Union Club could not be contacted for comment yesterday (Wednesday), and Leeds City Council's planning department was also unavailable for comment.