CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 70 houses at Rumplecroft in Otley will come under the spotlight at two public meetings.

Councillor Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) has organised the meetings for residents to discuss the plans for the land between Meagill Rise and St David's Road and to put together a response to Leeds planners.

At the first meeting on Wednesday, June 9, planning officers from Leeds City Council will be on hand to discuss the proposals put forward by developers Harrogate based Taywood Homes.

And at the second meeting, on Wednesday, June 23, residents comments will be put together to form a response which will be sent on to the council's western area development control panel -formerly the plans west sub-committee.

Coun Coyne said Taywood Homes was proposing to split the site and to build 44 low cost homes on part of the site and 23 larger homes at the top end of the site.

The low cost homes will be maintained by a housing authority.

Coun Coyne said: "The developer is proposing 44 low cost homes which will be rented houses and larger homes on the top half of the site."

He added that drawings of the scheme were available now and could be seen before the meetings at Otley Library, Otley Civic Centre and at the Leeds council offices in Boroughgate.

Campaign group Residents Against Green belt Erosion (RAGE) has objected to plans to build 100 homes on the land because of increased traffic and loss of open space.

It managed to get the backing of Leeds North West MP Harold Best but was told it would have to accept some housing on the land because of housing requirements laid down by Government.

l Both meetings will take place at Thomas Chippendale Primary School in Weston Ridge and are due to start at 7.30pm.

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