A ROW over access to carry out improvements at a busy Bramhope junction has erupted between Leeds City Council and a housing developer.

And now the chairman of the parish council claims residents are living in limbo until the mess can be sorted out.

Developer Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) bought the junction of the A658 and Old Lane as part of its scheme to build 60 homes at Hilton Grange - formerly owned by the National Children's Home.

The council was then under agreement to stagger the junction, install a traffic island and place lighting for 100 yards on either side of it.

But despite residents being allegedly told four times that work was due to go ahead it has all now ground to a halt.

Councillor John Mordy, chairman of Bramhope Parish Council said he was angry and frustrated at the delay and urged the city council to get to the bottom of the matter.

He said: "It's a mess. It's a complete and utter shambles. Everything is in limbo. We are not happy, particularly after being told by the Highways Department that the work was supposed to start."

The city council maintains that the onus is on Redrow to gain the permission of the surrounding owners before it can access the site. But Redrow claims that it was given the go-ahead as far back as last August.

A spokeswoman for Leeds City Council said: "When Redrow Homes obtained planning consent for the development of Hilton Grange, it was agreed that certain highways improvements needed to be made.

"Leeds City Council is responsible for making these improvements but in order to do so it is essential that we have permission, through Redrow Homes, to gain access and work on land owned by third parties.

"The delay by Redrow Homes in securing this permission is preventing us from carrying out the work. As soon as access is gained, we can tender the contract and begin the improvements."

But a spokeswoman for Redrow said that it was the council which was stalling: "Redrow has had a letter from the solicitors of the National Children's Home since August 16. On December 10, Redrow sent the council this letter but they said they wanted something from the owners themselves.

"Redrow obtained a letter from them and sent it to the council's legal services on December 17.

"As far as Redrow is concerned, it has gained permission."

Coun Mordy added: "We would just like them to get on with it. It is a much needed junction improvement and is also holding up the introduction of 30mph speed limits along Old Lane and Moor Road.

"The people living there do not have full quality telephone lines. BT will not put a line in until the road works have been done."

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