800 home plans back to council

Almost 12 months after the approval of outline planning permission for the proposal on the outskirts of Wetherby, the developers are asking for a condition to be removed.

A spokesman for Better Wetherby, which has opposed the plans, said: “An important condition was provision to allow vehicular access to the site from York Road.

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

“The conditions have to be met before building can commence.

“The developers have been unable to reach an agreement to purchase the portion of land that will enable access from York Road and now wish that condition to be removed.

“Taylor Wimpey has served a Notice of Appeal that may result in a public inquiry if the plans panel does not support the removal.

“BW contends that should the plans panel allow the removal of this important condition, this will fail to conform to the approved Leeds Site Allocation Plan (SAP). Such action will call into question the relevance of the SAP and undermine the whole ethos of the planning process.”

Objections raised by Wetherby residents and Better Wetherby, which is campaigning to protect the town’s character, include an increase in traffic, worsening of air pollution, a strain on schools and health services.

“We encourage people who have objected previously and others who may not yet have done so but are concerned about this application, to also make their concerns known in writing to Leeds planners by August 4,” added the BW spokesman.

“Please note that we believe this may be the last chance we get to have our say in this matter.”

Objections can be made on the Leeds planning portal. Ref: 17/02594/OT Land off Racecourse Approach.