Plans for 800 homes before council today

The application by Taylor Wimpey, which includes a new school and shops, attracted hundreds of objections, citing concerns including increased traffic and pressure on amenities.

In August 2019, Leeds Plans Panel approved outline planning permission subject to conditions.

“One major condition was provision to allow access to the site from York Road,” said a spokesman for Better Wetherby, a group of volunteers who are working to protect the town’s character.

“This was also a requirement from the Government Inspector, when approving inclusion of this site in the overall Leeds Site Allocations Plan (SAP).”

But Taylor Wimpey have been unable to reach an agreement to buy some land which would allow vehicular access to the site from York Road.

“The company has served a Notice of Appeal which may result in a Public Inquiry if the Plans Panel do not support the removal.

“In their report before the Plans Panel, Leeds Planning Officers now state that there is no technical evidence to demonstrate that the absence of vehicular access at this point in York Road would be detrimental.

“They suggest that other access points from Racecourse Approach itself are acceptable.”

He added: “Following representations by BW and discussions with Leeds City Council planning officials, information has been received that it is now likely that the application will be deferred at the Plans Panel meeting on Thursday, 16th July. This is to allow further public consultation to be carried out.”