Residents celebrating victory in their battle against controversial housing plans on an historic Otley site were rocked this week when the developers said they were going to appeal.

Councillors on Leeds City Council's development control panel (West) voted unanimously against plans by PH Plasterers to build 11 houses at the former Wharfe Street School.

The Wharfe Street Action Group waged a two-and-a-half-year campaign against the development, claiming the plans would create traffic chaos and danger on a small road and result in the loss of play area and open space.

And although councillors have backed their claims and turned down the application, architects Planning and Design are angry at the decision. They claim the Council has "abused'' the planning process and have warned that they will appeal against the decision.

Bill McIlwraith, of the Wharfe Street Action Group, said members would continue to fight against the development if there is a public inquiry.

"We feel that we have more than enough evidence on our side to win any appeal," he said.

A report said the application should be refused because the loss of the Victorian school building would be seriously detrimental to the character and appearance of the area in general.

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