PLANS to renovate an historic farm where Oliver Cromwell once stayed overnight in the 17th century have been rejected.

Proposals would have seen Low Hall Farm in Low Hall Road, Horsforth converted into three houses and offices. Councillors welcomed the restoration of the farm house, but said that building an extra 11 houses elsewhere on the site, which is in the Green Belt, were unacceptable.

Councillor Brian Cleasby (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said: "We are certainly not unhappy with changing the use and restoring the existing building but we have difficulty with the new buildings. There is enough profit for the developer in the existing properties without adding more houses. There are no exceptional circumstances to warrant this." Coun Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) agreed and added: "This development is over the top."

l A controversial drive-thru restaurant has been rejected following a 150-name petition and community campaign. Plans for the restaurant on the disused petrol station site off New Road Side in Horsforth had attracted opposition from city councillors, the town council and civic society as well as Friends of the Earth and letters from 18 residents. Councillors agreed to refuse the plans on the grounds of potential disturbance for residents and that the proposed opening hours of 8am-midnight were in excess of council policy. Plans for a two storey office block by the same developer on the same site were deferred to allow councillors to visit the area. Coun Brian Cleasby said the site should be residential and raised concerns about traffic on the A65.

l RESIDENTS fighting plans for a three storey block of two bedroom flats in Victoria Road, Guiseley are celebrating after the council turned down the proposals. A 25-signature petition from residents at Holly Court and five letters of objection were received against the development. City councillors refused the plans, claiming it would dominate nearby houses and be detrimental to road and pedestrian safety.

l PLANNERS will fight controversial plans for two three-storey blocks of flats off Breary Lane and Leeds Road in Bramhope at a public inquiry. Developers Bellway Homes have appealed because the council had not determined the application. But councillors have decided that had they been in a position to determine the application, they would have refused it because of its unacceptable height and massing which is out of character. They said it was visually detrimental, over-intensive, and could threaten highways safety. There was also concern for trees on the site. There had been 36 letters of objection from residents, who had launched a campaign in opposition. Bramhope Parish Council also objected.

l BENTON Park School in Rawdon gained permission for a single storey extension with pitched roof which will lead to an improved reception and entrance area, improved facilities for disabled users, toilet facilities and parking close to the reception area.