Plans to build hundreds of homes on the edge of Horsforth have been thrown out at a packed council meeting in Leeds.

The two adjacent schemes, for 400 homes and 150 homes off the ring road, were rejected by councillors, despite recommendations from officers that they should approve the proposals.

The proposed developments on the former Clariant site and the Riverside site have provoked widespread opposition from residents, councillors and the area’s MP Stuart Andrew.

But a report to Leeds City Council’s Plans Panel West advised members to delegate approval to officers, subject to further discussions and a number of conditions.

Members were told officers believed the developers’ sustainability package was acceptable and the residential use of the two sites should be supported.

But despite the advice, councillors were not convinced the sites were sustainable and voted seven to two against accepting the recommendation for each of the applications.

Find out more in the Gazette & Observer.