SHELTERED housing developers have gone to appeal over plans to build 52 flats off Brownberrie Lane, Horsforth.

McCarthy and Stone developers want to knock down three houses at 1,3 and 3a Brownberrie Lane and replace them with the three storey block of flats, a wardens flat and 18 parking spaces.

The scheme, which last week was refused permission by Leeds City Council's area planning panel, will now be decided at public inquiry due to be held in January next year.

Councillor Mick Grubb, chairman of Horsforth Town Council, said he welcomed the decision of the Plans Panel (West) and added that the town council would oppose the application at the public inquiry.

"We are against the application because of the number of flats and because it is on a very bad corner.

"There are major traffic problems there are the moment and this will only make it worse. They are also talking about demolishing perfectly good houses," said Coun Grubb.

In addition to objections from Paul Truswell MP and Horsforth councillors, more than 100 people have signed a petition opposing the plan.

At the Panel meeting on Tuesday last week, councillors were told that the developers had made the decision to appeal to the Secretary of State because the city council had failed to come to a decision within the time given.

But councillors were told the plan, which follows an earlier plan for the smaller site for 45 sheltered flats refused permission in January last year, would have been refused anyway.

The last scheme was turned down because of its size, its proximity to the green belt and that it was felt the site was inappropriate for sheltered housing. Also because of highways problems.

Similarly, the latest scheme has been refused by the council because of its size, design and an over-intensive use of the site.

MP Paul Truswell said he strongly objected to the scheme.

"I know Brownberrie Lane and the surrounding area well and a site visit has confirmed my support of the concerns expressed by residents. I believe it is unacceptable in terms of its scale, the impact it will have on those who live adjacent to and opposite and the impact it will have on traffic in the area.

"The proposed building at three storeys high will be intrusive and out of keeping with properties in the surrounding area and will overlook neighbouring properties to an unacceptable extent."