Controversial plans to knock down the former Wharfe Street school in Otley and replace it with 11 houses have been delayed once again.

And now, hopes have been raised that the disused 100-year-old Victorian building will be saved from demolition and put to good use.

At a meeting of Leeds City Council's development control panel (west), councillors were expected to approve the scheme by PH Plasterers and give approval to the building of three terraces of four and three homes.

But instead the scheme was deferred for a second time and planning officers were criticised for recommending approval and going against the large swell of public opinion against the development.

Councillor Brian Jennings (Lib Dem, Weetwood) demanded to know why officers were recommending approval when so many nearby residents, Otley Town Council and the town's MP Harold Best were all adamantly against the scheme.

Major objections had been raised about the loss of land well used by children and the relationship of the building to the neighbouring Otley Conservation Area.

But panel chairman, Councillor Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) insisted the officers were professionals who based their recommendations on current government policies.

But he added it was up to panel members to take into account the views of the officers and make their decision.

Coun Phil Coyne (Lab, Otley and Wharfedale) said a site visit made by panel members before the meeting had been useful and had shown up problems connected to the development.

And he called for the application to be deferred once again so officers could tackle highways concerns, the provision of community space and discuss the possibility of converting the building.

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