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 Harrogate-based developers Taywood Homes.

Then, on Wednesday, June 23, residents' comments will be put together to form a response which will be forwarded to the Council's western area development control panel.

Coun Coyne said Taywood Homes was proposing to split the site and build 44 low-cost homes on part of the site and 25 larger homes at the top end of the site.

The low-cost homes would be maintained by a housing authority and offered to people for rent.

Coun Coyne added that drawings of the scheme were available to view at Otley Library, Otley Civic Centre and at the Leeds Council offices in Boroughgate.

Campaign group Residents Against Greenbelt 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 at 7.30pm.

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