A new tree preservation order should mean housing developers will have to take care if they gain permission to build on the east of Otley.

An outline plan to create about 26 homes on green fields off East Busk Lane was lodged with Leeds City Council in October.

Many suspect the proposed development represents the first stage of the much larger ‘east of Otley’ scheme, which could see hundreds of new houses spring up on that side of town.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon), fearful of any premature action by developers or landowners, had asked Leeds City Council officers to check that important trees in area were protected.

They have now responded by producing a new preservation order that covers a number of species, including oak, sycamore and ash, on land near East Busk Lane.

Coun Campbell said: “I welcome the new tree preservation order which informs landowners and any potential developers that trees are important in Otley.

“Of course I would prefer no development took place, but if the city council agrees to the development east of Otley this order gives a clear message that these areas are important and must be protected.”

Town and ward councillors opposing the East Busk Lane scheme claim it would generate traffic problems, have a negative impact on the area and not deliver the affordable housing Otley needs. They also argue that brownfield – previously developed – sites in the town should be considered for housing before greenfield areas are even considered.

  • Otley Rugby Club, which is hoping to sell a piece of its training pitch land off Pool Road to Persimmon Homes, held an information evening for members about the ongoing negotiations last Thursday, December 5.

The sale would allow the developer to create an access-relief road for potentially hundreds of homes, a necessary condition that has to be met before any major housing development can proceed on Otley’s eastern edge.