The people of Otley are being urged to sway a decision that could see a conservation area ‘eyesore’ finally returned to nature.

Last year Leeds City Council served Parkmount Estates with a notice demanding it tidy up the old Bridge End Cattle Market plot, level the site and turn it back into a green field.

But now the saga, which stretches back five years, has taken another twist as residents have learned the company has appealed against the notice and the matter will be decided at a public inquiry.

Conserve Otley Riverside Campaign (CORC), which has been pressuring the landowners to tidy the site (pictured) ever since the market buildings were demolished, is urging residents to write in support of the enforcement action.

Local resident and CORC member Pat Dixon said: “The planning inspector allowed the owner an extra 18 months’ grace to see if he could get permission for development. The problem is the site is part of the functional floodplain, so the Environment Agency is unlikely to ever allow major development.”

Proposals for a 60-home scheme were thrown out in 2007 and a later 30-space car park plan was also rejected by Leeds planners.

CORC chairman Penny Mares said: “All the appeals and delays tie up council resources.”

A spokesman for Parkmount Estates said: “We are appealing. If we can overturn the requirement to make it a green field we will be putting proposals forward.”

Anyone wishing to comment should write by March 11 to: The Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/26, Hawk Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN, quoting ref APP/N4720/ F/10/214604, sending three copies of their letter.