DEVELOPERS are being urged to secure a former Rawdon primary school site from arsonists and vandals while they prepare to build a 22-flat housing scheme.

Avenir Properties plans to create eight flats in the old Littlemoor County Primary building and 14 others in three blocks on land beside it off Harrogate Road / Park Avenue.

Leeds Plans Panel (West) generally praised the scheme - although concerns were raised about the modern materials proposed for the new properties - at its meeting last week.

But Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley and Yeadon) said he was worried at the signs of fire and other damage he had spotted during a site visit.

He said: "I'm concerned that the site as it stands is not secure and is prone to vandalism and arson, and would ask the agent to pass this information on to the developer and ask if they would consider making the site secure."

The general tone of the meeting, however, was positive with councillors welcoming the fact the old school building would remain in use.

Councillor Stuart Andrew (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: "The first thing to say is that it's nice we're not actually knocking down this building and are using what really is quite a landmark in this area.

"But it would be a shame to preserve what is a really interesting building and then spoil its affect by getting the wrong materials in the new build, so I would like that to be looked at again.

"I also want to make sure that the new builds aren't towering over other houses in the area.

"But really I think the developer and architect have done a very good job on this and it's pleasing to see we've got almost two parking spaces per flat, because parking is an issue here."

Nine letters of objection to the scheme were lodged, citing fears it represented over-development, would add to existing parking problems, and that the new buildings would be too high and built of inappropriate (brick and render) material.

Councillor Brian Jennings said: "I think the materials of the school ought to be reflected in the new build.

"I also have a concern that all the interesting looking design is inward looking, the people living around will just be left looking at the very bland side of the buildings."

Coun Downes, however, disagreed. He said: "I don't know that the new builds need to reflect the look of the school, they should perhaps reflect the area. But I would be happy for that to be given over to the ward members."

The panel agreed to grant approval but to defer and delegate, with the involvement of ward councillors, on the materials and external design of the new homes.