High Royds plans on view

The prestigious hospital site and its vast grounds stretching more than 200 acres was bought by developers The Raven Group for £26million last year.

The first proposals outlining the extensive housing scheme and community facilities were presented to the public in February before a formal planning application was submitted.

Now the application has been lodged with Leeds City Council and is available for public consultation.

The plans for the 19th century former asylum propose to build 562 houses on the site.

The Raven Group has applied to alter the listed building and demolish part of the hospital to form 204 dwellings, a creche and medical and retail units.

The application refers to the main hospital building which has Grade Two listed status.

Also submitted is a change of use application to build 562 dwellings, offices, a creche, medical and retail units and sports pitches.

A full display is currently being set up a Guiseley library to enable residents to see the proposals in full.

Other displays are expected to follow at venues in the area.

The new housing will be located behind the hospital and the conversion of the listed buildings for residential use will be on either side of the main entrance.

New houses will also be built at the back of the hospital near Menston where the former railway track ran and at the entrance of the site from the A65.

The development is expected to be phased over five years.

Leeds City Council planning chiefs have already been on a site visit to the hospital and have spoken of their enthusiasm for the plans.

There are fears that the estimated 1,500 new residents will overload the already congested A65 and the moor roads.

Developer the Raven Group has proposed to introduce free public transport measures to encourage new residents to leave their cars at home.

Anyone wanting further information about the plans can contact Leeds City Council planning department on (0113) 2478000.