A developer plans to build about 250 homes, a school and offices on the site of a Victorian hospital despite traffic-congestion fears.

London-based Raven Group is hoping to develop the sprawling High Royds Hospital in Menston into a housing estate which will see the Grade II listed location converted into houses and flats.

Speaking at a packed neighbourhood forum at Menston Primary School last night, Ben Krauze of the Raven Group, which bought the 82-hectare site for £26 million last October, said only buildings added in the late 20th century would be replaced.

The psychiatric hospital- opened in 1888 - will close on Tuesday, February 25.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted to Leeds Council next month.

Mr Krauze said the proposed development was a "fantastic opportunity" to transform the hospital's landscape.

He said it was planned to make 75,000sq ft of office space available by converting existing buildings such as the hospital's kitchens and other service areas.

The plans include a mixture of new homes and the conversion of some of the existing listed buildings into flats. More than 100 homes would be earmarked for people earning "low wages".

Mr Krauze said that although the proposals had not been finalised they could include a school, nursery, shops and doctor's surgery on the estate. He said it was planned to introduce a regular shuttle-bus from the estate to the railway station which would stop people using cars to travel to the station or to work.

"What we're trying to do is absolutely discourage people to use cars," he said.

The plans include the planting of 35,000 native trees and shrubs, and 50 hectares of open space, including two football pitches, a cricket pitch, public footpaths and an orchard.

But some residents said the proposals would cause traffic chaos in the village and on the busy A65, adding to weekend and peak-time congestion.

Ian Hill, of Menston, said the Raven Group was trying to improve the junctions.

But he added: "The junctions near the site are already congested and any extra traffic will only add to the problems."

Another resident said extra parking space should be made available on the A65 for people dropping off children at St Mary's School.