A MAJOR new housing scheme for Bramhope could be approved by planners this week.

Miller Homes already has outline permission - granted on appeal last December - to build 319 homes on land between Breary Lane East and the A660 Leeds Road.

On Thursday, November 9 the Leeds South and West Plans Panel will decide if the detailed proposals, which include a convenience store and a public open space, should also be approved.

The original plan for the site,which emerged in 2013, received hundreds of objections from residents and was rejected by Leeds City Council.

The scheme going before the panel has attracted 79 objections which cite a list of concerns, including:

*The likely impact on local traffic and subsequent expected increase in 'rat-running' through residential streets

*The loss of green land with what is claimed will be a 'huge adverse environmental impact'

*Impact on the character of Bramhope, turning it 'from a village to a small town'

*The strain the new homes will put on the village's infrastructure, including the already oversubscribed primary school - though land is included within the site for a 'potential' new, two form entry primary.

The report going before the plans panel, however, is recommending the scheme for approval.

It concludes: "There will not be any harm in terms of highway safety, there will be no detrimental harm to residential amenity, and the impact on trees and ecology is considered acceptable.

"The proposed layout and design is also considered acceptable in this location close to Bramhope Conservation Area, green belt and the ancient woodland."

It also states that many of the issues raised by the objectors will be addressed through the proposed list of conditions attached to the plan.

Bramhope & Carlton Parish Council accepts that Miller Homes has 'taken on board' many of its suggestions to head-off possible problems, but says a number of outstanding issues remain.

They include the risk of rat-running due to the impact of a proposed new roundabout on the A660, the need for adequate 'buffer zones' on the site and the preservation of dry stone walls beside the plot.

Those and other matters of concern will be raised on behalf of the parish council and residents at the plans panel by ward Councillors Billy Flynn and Barry Anderson (both Con, Adel & Wharfedale).

A parish council spokesman said: "We wish to re-assure residents that we continue to work ceaselessly to ensure their views regarding the development are represented as widely and effectively as possible.

"The development, unwelcome though it may be, is part of the future of the village and the parish council is committed to bringing about the best outcome for all residents, current and future."