A DATE has been set for a public inquiry into a proposed 55 home development for Pool-in-Wharfedale.

Taylor Wimpey had its outline plan - originally for up to 70 properties - for land behind Church Close refused by Leeds City Council last summer.

The housebuilder appealed against that decision and the matter will now be considered by a government inspector at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, May 15.

As reported last month, the company's planning consultants - Johnson Mowat - recently submitted a revised 'masterplan' which suggested limiting the maximum number of homes on the site to 55.

That is the plan that will be examined at the inquiry now as the Taylor Wimpey team was due to exchange its inquiry evidence, including the revised scheme, with Leeds City Council on Friday, April 20.

Letters about the amended plan and the public inquiry have been sent to houses bordering the proposed development site and more are due to be hand delivered.

In its public notification about the latest updates, Mark Johnson of Johnson Mowat says: "You may recall that in 2017 Taylor Wimpey submitted an outline planning application for up to 70 new homes on the western edge of Pool, along with an access point off Pool Road (near to the Shell petrol filling station.

"Leeds City Council refused this application for a number of reasons. Following this refusal decision, Taylor Wimpey decided that it would appeal the refusal and a public inquiry commences on May 15.

"Over recent months Taylor Wimpey and Leeds City Council have continued to discuss the appeal proposals to reduce the number of disputed points.

"One of the issues raised by the Council was the number of dwellings proposed and density of the proposals.

"Taylor Wimpey has decided to amend the Illustrative Masterplan to show a reduced amount of development, and how this can run alongside a development spine road that could operate as the western Pool bypass (in part) should the remainder of the non-green belt land be submitted and approved.

"In addition to revising the masterplan, Taylor Wimpey have informed the council they are willing to accept a planning condition restricting their development to delivering a maximum of 55 new homes."

Mr Johnson goes on to invite anyone who wishes to comment on the changes, or who has questions, to write to him at: Johnson Mowat Planning Consultants, Coronet House, Queen Street, Leeds LS1 2TW.

Comments can also be sent by e-mail to mark@johnsonmowat.co.uk and will be copied into the inquiry process.

Questions about the proposed development, meanwhile, are expected to be raised at the Pool Annual Parish Meeting which this year takes place on Monday, May 14 - on the eve of the inquiry.

The inquiry starts at 10am and residents can attend and, at the inspector's discretion, make comments.