A COUNCILLOR is calling for a meeting with officials to discuss concerns about an application to extend Bramhope Primary School.

Adel and Wharfedale councillor Barry Anderson asked for a meeting after a report from the Public Rights of Way Officer was lodged on Leeds City Council's planning portal.

The report says: "I have received a Definitive Map Modification Order application to add a footpath to the definitive map and statement. The footpath runs from Breary Rise to Tredgold Crescent, Bramhope. I have also received 21 user evidence forms to date. As such, we would prefer for the route be diverted rather than be extinguished.

"An alternative route should be considered here. However, it is unclear if this is possible based on the plans submitted. A Public Path Diversion/Extinguishment Order, under Section 257 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, will be required in order to enable the development to occur."

"The granting of Planning Permission does not permit the developer to divert or extinguish a public right of way, only a Public Path Order can do this. Failure to get a Public Path Order could result in enforcement action being taken."

Cllr Anderson said: “I have asked for a meeting with the Planner and the Project Team so that I can discuss a number of concerns that have been raised by local residents including the footpath, highways issues and the safety of pupils, parents and residents alike. This application is contentious so it is important that all voices are heard and it is incumbent on the Council to find solutions.

"In respect of the footpath there is a lot of local opinion from people who do support the path being re-routed for safeguarding of children and children’s safety in general, on the other hand there is no doubt that a number of residents do use this claimed footpath to access the village and unless another route is found we are going to be in an impasse situation which won’t help anyone in the village and I am calling on the Council to come up with a way forward that meets the needs of the majority of residents and the school."

He added:"The bottom line is that the safety of pupils should be paramount. A number of residents have also been submitting User Evidence Forms to prove that they have used this path for many years hence the obligation is on the Council to find an acceptable way forward that does not put the safety of children at risk."