Developer's vow over controversial Clariant homes in Horsforth (From Wharfedale Observer)

Developer's vow over controversial Clariant homes in Horsforth

11:51am Friday 28th September 2012 in News By Annette McIntyre

Developers who are planning to build hundreds of homes on the edge of Horsforth have pledged to take the views of local people into consideration.

Redrow gave the pledge after staging exhibitions showing its proposals for the site of the former Clariant works off the ring road at Horsforth.

A spokesperson for Redrow said: “The recent public exhibitions of our proposals for the redevelopment of the former Clariant works site in Horsforth were well attended and local people were not only keen to find out more but to give their feedback.

“We will take their views into consideration when preparing a planning application for the site.”

But the consultations have been criticised by Horsforth councillor Brian Cleasby.

Mr Cleasby, who recently met with the developers along with fellow Horsforth councillor Chris Townsley, said: “To be honest, I didn’t feel we were listened to.

“I am concerned about the impact this is going to have on our schools, particularly West End School. The belief that a bus will be used to take children to school is just madness.”

The two councillors have been at the forefront of the fight to prevent the plans to build more than 400 homes on the site.

An adjoining housing development at the Riverside site will bring the total of new homes to about 550.

The proposed housing developments sparked a campaign of opposition, with opponents warning of the devastating impact on services and the dangers from increased traffic.

An appeal was made to Community Secretary Eric Pickles to intervene. But the schemes were given the go-ahead in March by a planning inspector.

That decision was greeted with disbelief by Coun Townsley who described it as “another nail in the coffin” for the area.

Opponents say schools and roads are already full, and that any further development would make the situation even worse.