HOUSING plans which could change the face of a village may be considered at the end of this month.

Pool-in-Wharfedale could become 20 per cent larger if planning bosses give the go-ahead to proposals from Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd to build 100 houses.

And residents are anxious to find out exactly when the move will be discussed by Leeds City Council's planning department to register their objections.

A spokesman for the department said this week that an agenda for the plans west sub-committee - due to meet on Tuesday, February 24 - had yet to be decided. The Pool plan could be itemised after February 17.

But Kenneth Shaw, a resident of Park Court, said he was worried people could miss the important meeting. "A lot of people in the village are very concerned about when it will come up," he said.Pensioner Mr Shaw is a vehement objector to the plan, which would develop land off Swallow Drive. He collected around 300 signatures from villagers opposing the bid last September to present to city council officers.

He is also keen to stop any further building on the green belt land around Pool. "I've never known so many housebuilders to be pressing to develop land. If we do need housing don't let them do it on the green belt," he urged.

Mr Shaw's fears are echoed by many villagers who feel the plan does not account for the increase in traffic - already a major problem - schools or village amenities.

Such concerns were cited at a public meeting in October 1997 organised by town and city councillor John Eveleigh.

Coun Eveleigh (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) has expressed doubts about the Swallow Drive development which would make more village facilities - such as a GP - essential.

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