Councillors are being urged to think very carefully before allowing a housing scheme which local people say is completely out of character with the area.

The proposals for 54 homes at Springhead Mills, in Guiseley, could come closer to being approved at a meeting of planners today.

Members of Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel West are being asked to defer and delegate the application for officer approval subject to a number of conditions, as well as contributions to travel plan measures and education.

But opponents of the scheme say it will have a damaging effect on the local area and will lead to numerous problems.

Local resident Chris Irvine said: “If this development gets the go ahead, we are looking at a transformation of this historic conservation area, with all the attendant problems and dangers of increased traffic, disturbance and loss of privacy.

“Is this the legacy our elected representatives really want for Springhead Mills?

“The reason why so many residents have objected to these proposals and the plans of developers in the past is that people genuinely care about the locality they live in and see this development as damaging, intrusive and exploitive.”

Developers want to demolish the principle mill building to build 54 homes.

In 2006 an application to demolish the mill and replace it with 80 homes was withdrawn. A further application for residential development, sheltered housing and a care home was turned down in April 2009.

Leeds Civic Trust have submitted a letter in support of the latest proposals.

A report to councillors says the proposed development is acceptable and complies with planning policies. It adds that the scheme provides an opportunity to create a “high quality housing scheme in a sustainable location.”