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Plans to build more than 700 houses on a site in Otley, are “totally disproportionate”, and will increase the size of the town by nearly a third, community groups have claimed.

Earlier this month, a hybrid planning application for a huge development to the East of Otley for a mixed use site of up to 700 houses and a major new link road was submitted.

The community groups, the East of Otley Action Group and Wildlife Friendly Otley, both believe the development will lead to a loss of local green space and wildlife habitats.

But Leeds City Council insists these are early plans, and that the exact numbers of houses have not yet been finalised.

Part of the site in Otley. (Pic: Googlemaps)

According to outline documents submitted to Leeds City Council planners last week, the scheme proposes to build “circa 700” homes, as well as include a new road, to be known as the East of Otley Relief Road. Around 12 acres of employment land would also be included, as well as a two-form entry primary school and “extensive amounts of public open space”.

The relocation of Otley Rugby Club’s pitches will also be part of the plan.

The plans are were created by Persimmon Homes and Leeds City Council themselves.

Community groups speak out against Otley housing plans