A PLANNING application to demolish 36 garages and replace them with four houses has been withdrawn.

The proposed plan for the demolition of the single garages at Ash Grove, Otley, had attracted widespread opposition since it was submitted to Leeds City Council’s planning department by B Houldsworth and Sons.

A major concern raised by residents of Ash Grove and Granville Terrace was an increase in cars and traffic congestion. They also voiced concerns about severe disruption during demolition and construction, and loss of light.

Otley Town Council had also objected saying: “The removal of parking spaces will increase on-street parking pressure on the surrounding streets which are already congested, along with the potential road safety issues involved.”

Leeds City Council’s highways department also objected to the application due to safety concerns.

A highways report said: “The proposed access and parking arrangements raise a highway safety concern due to unachievable visibility splays and inappropriate design. There will also be displacement of parking adding to the on-street parking pressure on Ash Grove. Therefore, the highways authority objects to the planning application.”

The planning application was withdrawn on February 1.