TWO plans which would tidy an eyesore near one of the busiest roundabouts in the country have come under fire by Horsforth residents and councillors.

Developers Margram Plc have submitted two plans to transform the abandoned petrol station in New Road Side, Horsforth - but both have met with vehement opposition.

The first plan for the site is for a drive-through diner and restaurant with 30 car-parking spaces, while the second is for a two-storey office block with 40 parking spaces.

Coun Chris Townsley (Lib Dem, Horsforth) said the graffiti and litter-strewn site needed to be cleared up and developed, possibly with houses, but added that the current two plans must be opposed at all costs.

"They are both totally unacceptable, in particular the drive-through restaurant. If it's one thing that Horsforth doesn't need, it's another restaurant like that, particularly slap-bang opposite Burger King.What happens if they get more than 30 cars parking there? Where are they going to park?

"The main objection for both plans has to be that they are going to add to the

traffic problems in the area - it's just 300 metres or so away from one of the busiest roundabouts and stretches of road in the country."

He is also objecting to the office block plans on highways grounds.

A leaflet asking for residents' comments will be circulated by Coun Townsley and his fellow councillors Brian Cleasby and Andy Barker in the coming days.

l Meanwhile, residents living next to Moseley Wood, near Horsforth, claim that plans for an access road could damage a woodland haven for wildlife an plants and lead to development.

The Friends of Moseley Beck Wood also say that if given the go-ahead, resident Paul Dew's scheme will require the demolition of a semi-detached bungalow in Moseley Wood Croft, which he owns.

The elderly neighbours are objecting to the plans. The Friends claim trees are subject to preservation orders and that the plan could lead to the flooding of a nearby beck.