Developers accused of bypassing Otley residents (From Wharfedale Observer)

Developers accused of bypassing Otley residents

12:57pm Friday 14th September 2012 in Local news

Developers hoping to build 100 homes on green fields at Otley will hold a meeting with Leeds planners today.

Taylor Wimpey, whose outline plans for Rumplecroft were criticised by many residents at an Otley Town Council meeting in July, will hold a pre-application hearing with Plans Panel West members and officers before going on a site visit.

But local politicians are accusing the company, which had said at the July meeting it would bring its revised plans back to the local community first, of “bypassing” Otley.

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: “I am disappointed Taylor Wimpy has decided to go to the plans panel first.

“All local elected represen-tatives remain firmly against this development.”

MP Greg Mulholland (Lib Dem, Leeds North West) said: “I am deeply disappointed Taylor Wimpey seems to have bypassed the local community.

“There are many concerns and unanswered questions about access, drainage and flood risk, proximity to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the additional traffic on the medieval bridge, that need to be properly looked into before any plans are put forward.”