A SCHEME to build 319 new homes in Bramhope has been submitted to planners.

Miller Homes was given permission to progress with outline proposals for land off Breary Lane East at the end of 2016, after winning an appeal.

Villagers then got a chance to find out more about the plans - which some councillors have warned could irrevocably change the character of Bramhope - at a consultation event in January.

Now the developer has lodged a detailed (reserved matters) planning application to create 319 houses, a convenience store and public open space on the 21 hectare plot.

The development will contain a mixture of five, four, three and two bedroom homes including 112 affordable properties, while access will be via a new roundabout on Leeds Road.

Some land has also been set aside for a possible new primary school to help cater for the new residents.

Bramhope and Carlton Parish Council is urging all residents, through a letter it is sending to every household, to comment on the scheme by the June 2 deadline.

Councillor John Howard said: "It is not now possible to prevent the development going ahead.

"Council policy is therefore to engage with the developers and planners to obtain the best possible outcome for the whole village, including the new residents.

"In February we met with Miller Homes in a constructive meeting where we commented on the plans and subsequently put forward significant, written recommendations on a wide range of topics.

"Although these proposals have not yet been formally acknowledged we will be examining the detailed planning application carefully to see if they are reflected.

"We are particularly concerned to preserve the Green Belt and are very aware of the potential impact of the proposed convenience store on the village."

Councillor Barry Anderson (Con, Adel & Wharfedale) echoed those sentiments.

He said: "The scheme is much like what was expected but it is important residents take time to look at the plans and submit their comments, concerns or objections to anything they are unhappy about by the deadline.

"It is between now and June 2 that we have the chance to put suggestions for any changes that can be accommodated.

"There is a lot of concern about the retail element from current business owners in Bramhope.

"In terms of the 'affordable' housing it is all one type, two or three bedroom terraced, which doesn’t make for a good mix of affordable - although the question remains what is 'affordable'?

"Provision has been made, through two hectares at the front of the development, for land for a school but this is not clear on the many documents that have been submitted.

"It’s difficult for residents and ourselves to know whether that is enough space for a two form entry primary school.

"Unfortunately this is not the developer’s concern, they were only asked to make the land available."

Cllr Anderson is asking residents to e-mail him copies of their comments at barry.anderson@leeds.gov.uk .

The proposals can be viewed in full at publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/ by searching for reference number 17/02312/RM .