TWO Leeds councillors have raised concerns that a planned link road between Tong and Holme Wood could cause cross border issues for their constituents.

Details of the £64 million link road, which would be overseen by Bradford Council and funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be discussed by the Authority tomorrow.

The road has been proposed to ease congestion on Tong Street and in the Holme Wood Estate.

An exact route has yet to be revealed, although a report into the plans acknowledged parts of the road could fall within Greenbelt, and the plans have already raised concerns.

Councillor Andrew Carter, Leader of the Leeds Conservative Group and Ward Member for Calverley & Farsley, said: “We are very concerned about these plans and disappointed that we have yet to be consulted about proposals that will have a huge impact on residents living in West Leeds. If these proposals go ahead we believe that the road could badly affect the Greenbelt land that currently separates Leeds and Bradford.

£64 million link road plan to beat congestion in South Bradford

“Elements of the scheme could well involve the Leeds local authority area and it is really disappointing that we, as local councillors, have not been contacted about this.”

Councillor Simon Seary, Conservative Pudsey Ward, said: “It seems to me that although the exact route is not yet decided there will be a negative impact on the Greenbelt both in terms of the road itself and possibly the 2,500 homes that will be built as a result of it. I am sure that residents in Pudsey will be alarmed by these proposals and will want to know as much as possible about it, as soon as possible.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson, said: “The options for a potential South East Bradford Link Road are at a very early stage of development.

“No firm proposals have been confirmed beyond an initial appraisal of potential routes.

“We have had initial discussions with our counterparts at Leeds City Council, this included briefing their then portfolio holder to understand any concerns about the proposals prior to the submission of this paper to the Combined Authority.

“If the West Yorkshire Combined Authority continues to support the development of this scheme, through awarding funding, work on assessing the detailed implications of a shortlist of potential options (including routes which are solely within the Bradford district) can be started. This would include a programme of formal consultation with both Bradford and Leeds Council Members, officers and residents.”

The Save Tong And Fulneck Valley group - which has previously protested housing developments in the area, have also raised concerns and will have a meeting to discuss the proposals and “put together a plan of action” on Wednesday.

It will be held at Tong Village Hall from 7pm to 8.30pm.