John Baron reports from the latest Leeds Planning Meeting:

A DERELICT former petrol station will be transformed into a residential development, it was agreed by councillors this week.

Outline proposals by Consort Homes to build either flats or houses at the former Shell Station in Leeds Road were approved, despite objections from a handful of residents and Bramhope Parish Council.

Councillor Clive Fox (Con, Otley and Wharfedale) said that many villagers, including some parish councillors, were happy for the development to go ahead. The building is currently derelict and blighted by graffiti.

"Some are happy to see it go, because it is an eyesore at the moment. My view is that the sooner the existing buildings are demolished the better because it really is a great eyesore.

"Although this is only an outline application, when we get to the detailed plans, we will need to have a quality design."

Coun Phil Coyne (Lab) backed calls for a quality design when detailed plans are submitted.

Concerns about flooding and possible land contamination were covered in planning conditions.

HISTORIC FIGHT: storic buildings earmarked for demolition to make way for a new business park in Horsforth will have to be retained before planning permission is given, councillors insisted this week.

Business Homes B1 Ltd want to build two office blocks at the Corn Mill Fold site off Low Lane, which would be used as call centres for Gilchrist and Euro Direct, with parking for 158 cars.

Councillors backed the proposals in principle last month, but asked that the outbuildings surrounding the historic corn mill, which will be restored, are also be

preserved.

But a planning report to councillors this week said that the buildings were in an advanced state of decay, that there is little individual interest in them and that the cost of restoring and preserving them is prohibitive. English Heritage also has no objection to their demolition.

But councillors have insisted that the out-buildings are preserved too.

They agreed to defer the decision for a

further month for further negotiations with the developers - and intimated that they would refuse the application if the developer refuses their request.

Coun Phil Coyne said: "We should preserve these

buildings, which have a significant impact on the site and if we need to reject these plans, we should reject them."

The Wharfedale Observer understands that it is likely that the developers will appeal if the plans are turned down.

STATION UPGRADE: Busy Horsforth Station will get a new look after plans for a detached waiting room, new

toilets and ticket office were approved by councillors.

Coun David Pratt (Lib Dem, Headingley) said: "These improvements are extremely welcome. I also look forward to the extra 29 car parking spaces which we approved last year being introduced at the station."

FLATS DELAY: No decision was taken on plans for a three storey block of flats on Victoria Road, Guiseley, which has met with local opposition. Councillors wanted more details on elevations and the proposal's relation to existing

buildings.

HOMES APPROVAL: Seven terraced and semi-detached houses off Salisbury Mews, Horsforth, were approved, despite 11 objections by nearby residents and from Paul Truswell MP.