PLANS to build a retirement care village on a former allotment site in Guiseley are being criticised by conservative ward councillors.

Guiseley and Rawdon councillors Paul Wadsworth and Paul Alderson are concerned about proposals for a retirement care village of 51 apartments and 15 bungalows on the former allotments site on land at Silverdale Avenue. The councillors say they have listened to concerns from local residents.

Cllr Wadsworth said: “The proposals do not appear to be consistent with the Site Allocations Plan and would over-develop the site. Furthermore the plans would, in my view, see an unacceptable reduction in our ward’s greenspace land, as well as potentially leading to increased traffic in this location on roads that are not designed to take it. We will continue to monitor this application closely, listen to local people’s views and engage with other interested groups such as the Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum.”

Councillor Paul Alderson said: “These proposals have understandably caused some concern locally. We have kept residents up to date via letter, email, and face to face meetings and we continue to welcome and listen to their feedback.

“In my view this is not the right proposal for the site and seems to go against the Site Allocations Plan. The plans are not in keeping with the existing character of the local area, and would mean local people lose a valuable greenspace site.”