THE FUTURE of a small area of woodland in Guiseley is due to be discussed today when Aireborough MP Paul Truswell and Ings Lane residents meet with developers.

Mr Truswell organised the meeting with Barratt Leeds to voice concerns over the preservation of the woodland on the Greenwoods site.

Resident Kath Fisher said: "The woodland is 100 years old and has been undisturbed for the last 30 or 40 years.

"Over 50 species of birds have been counted there and deer come into the coppice from Otley Chevin."

In a letter to residents, Barratt Leeds is proposing that the area be a 'public amenity,' and says that it will protect areas 'deemed worthy of protection' and 'enhance these areas.'

But residents are unsure what these terms will mean for the site and are looking for clarification and assurances from Barratt Leeds that the woodland will be preserved.

Mrs Fisher said: "We are concerned that any disturbance to the area - even putting a footpath through it - could destroy it's ecosystem.

"The area supports itself. It is full of wildlife and we want it to stay wild."

All the trees on the coppice have preservation orders and residents hope that the woodland will be designated a nature conservation area.

Barratt Leeds revised its original planning proposal to build 121 houses on the site to 63 after residents objected.

Now Mrs Fisher and the other supporters of the woodland hope their concerns will be listened to again.

Mrs Fisher said: "We are very pleased that Barratt Leeds have agreed to this meeting and are listening to us.

"We hope that the outcome of this meeting will be favourable and they agree with us that the site should stay a conservation area."

Mr Truswell said: "Local people wanted to ensure that the green space was properly managed in future to maintain it's character and value to the community.

"I organised the meeting because discussions between Barratt and the council seemed to have stalled, and I hope that this will help to move things forward."

The meeting is not open to the public.