A new tree preservation order should mean housing developers will have to take care if they gain permission to build on the east of Otley.

An outline plan to create about 26 homes on green fields off East Busk Lane was lodged with Leeds City Council in October.

Many suspect the proposed development represents the first stage of the much larger ‘east of Otley’ scheme, which could see hundreds of houses spring up on that side of town.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) had asked Leeds City Council officers to check that important trees in area were protected and they have produced a preservation order that covers a number of species on land near East Busk Lane.

Coun Campbell said: “I welcome the new tree preservation order which informs landowners and any potential developers that trees are important in Otley.”