BRAMHOPE residents have expressed anger over plans to push ahead with a 317 home scheme.

Villagers turned out in force last week to let Miller Homes know what they thought about proposals for land between Breary Lane East and Leeds Road.

The developer has been given permission to put forward detailed plans after a planning inspector, supported by the Secretary of State, overturned Leeds City Council's original refusal of an outline scheme.

Miller Homes held a consultation about its proposals at West Park RUFC on January 5, when residents were also invited to leave feedback.

Many did so in no uncertain terms, as Bramhope and Carlton Parish Councillor John Howard saw.

He said: "A significant number of residents went to the consultation and parish and ward Councillors spent significant time there.

"Anger was expressed by several people that the wishes of the area, and the city council, could be overruled by a remote government body.

"It was evident residents are concerned about the lack of local infrastructure needed to support the development, and the impact of building on a greenfield site.

"Nevertheless, outline planning permission has been granted and it is now the task of councillors to talk to the developers and the planners at Leeds to try and address the many concerns residents voiced."

Other issues raised included:

*Rat-running and congestion fears over positioning the access roundabout for the new development close to the existing one, on Kings Road

*The 'clearly unwelcome' convenience store which is part of the plans, and its impact on the village's existing shops

*The impact on traffic of a an eight year, continual building programme.

Parish Council Chairman Councillor Simon Cooper was also alarmed to see that the closing date for leaving comments on the millerhomesbramhope.co,uk website was January 6 - though that has now been extended.

He said: "We are very aware of the feelings of residents over this unwanted development.

"We will work with ward councillors to represent local views to Miller Homes and Leeds' Highways and Planning Departments to get the best possible outcome.

"It is regrettable residents have been given so little time to comment.

"However ID Planning, the agents for Miller Homes, have now said the deadline is January 19 - so it is vital people provide feedback via the website as soon as possible."

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) also attended.

He said: "The issues raised within my hearing, and also my own personal concerns, included fears about highways access from the A660, the potential location of any school not being marked on the plans, what Miller Homes define as 'affordable', and the proximity of the new properties to residents living on Creskeld Lane.

"I have requested a copy of the plans so I can contact residents who have expressed a view in the past, and ask anyone who couldn’t attend whether they would like to see them."