A Menston councillor has accused Leeds City Council of using "bully boy tactics" to grant full planning approval to the huge development at High Royds.

The scheme includes a mixture of new build and conversions of the hospital buildings to create 541 residential dwellings, offices, retail units, a creche, sports pitches and an assisted living complex.

But Bradford councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Wharfedale) said: "Having been involved in the loop since the beginning, we've been cut out. I was disappointed, but not particularly surprised this happened.

"There's been a considerable amount of communication going on. It is a huge development and we are an effective party."

But he accused Leeds of using "bully boy tactics" and a "we're bigger than you are" approach to making this decision.

Coun Greaves said he is at-tempting to obtain copies of the decision to grant full planning permission as he wants make sure legal requirements have been met.

He said: "We have no idea if our concerns are being met." Coun Greaves outlined these four major items:

l The provision for affordable housing and who it will be open to

l Funding for improved recreational facilities, such as a children's play equipment

l When the landscaping scheme is going to happen, as he said is it preferred to be earlier in the building process rather than later to give trees a chance to grow before the houses are in place

l And lastly, what the highway works will involve as there are traffic and pedestrian safety concerns to take into account.

The application was approved in principle last year by Leeds City Council's Plans Panel (West).

The panel proposed to delegate powers of final approval to the Chief Planning and Development Officer subject to the completion of a legal agreement.

Coun Greaves said he wants to be sure the planning permission adheres to the Section 106 legal agreement, which is the reason he is seeking documents related to the decision.

He said: "I certainly hope Leeds will send us these papers as a matter of urgency. Until we know what was agreed, we don't know if we'll object or not.

"We're reserving a position on what to do until we've found what's going on."

However, a spokesman for Leeds City Council said: "Officers at Bradford Council have been consulted on the planning application for the development at High Royds throughout the planning process.

"Leeds City Council would anticipate that Bradford officers would involve their members as appropriate."

Leeds City Council also received a new planning application -- from David Wilson Homes -- for an amended version of phase one of the High Royds development.

It relates to 92 houses and 24 flats. The application will have to adhere to the legal agreement concerning the above stipulations.

The proposal is now available to view at Leeds City Council's Development Department, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD.