FORMED in response to the planned housing development on the outskirts of town, the East of Otley Action Group (EOAG) will be holding an online public meeting next week.

The meeting, which will be held via Zoom on Monday, April 19 at 7pm, aims to update Otley residents on the planning application (which at time of writing has still not been published). It will also share the progress made by the group and related organisations in working to achieve the best possible result for Otley residents and wildlife.

“The format of the meeting will be subject to where the planning application is up to, but will include an update on where we are with fundraising, research, lobbying, meetings, work with our legal team, plus there will be time set aside at the end for a Q and A session,” said a spokesperson for the group. “We feel that it’s important to keep in touch with residents by as many means possible and to provide opportunities for questions and discussion.”

The EOAG was created as an umbrella group bringing together local organisations and interested residents. The group have already achieved a lot in a few short months, including: engaging with the Otley East consortium, carrying out research on the history and suitability of the site, delivering hundreds of letters to local people eliciting their opinion, raising thousands of pounds for legal advice and appointing a well-respected firm of solicitors to guide them through the planning process. They have also created a website, organised solo litter picks and footfall surveys, and produced their own merchandise, showcasing a beautiful barn owl design by local artist Kate Broughton.

The spokesperson added: "Volunteers are still needed to help with research, surveys, graphic design, website and social media. To find out more, or to get involved, visit www.eastofotleyaction.co.uk or email hello@eastofotleyaction.co.uk

"Public engagement can have a major influence on development decisions. There are only 100 places for the meeting on Monday 19th April, so please make sure you register in advance and save your place: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtceivpzgqGNIAl7J8mLrOgRLY0Hnb0nMB"