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The appeal by the Isle of Man-based company to build 200 new properties in Rothwell and Oulton was due to be held in Leeds Civic Hall.

But the inquiry has had to be switched to the Old School Board building due to ventilation problems within the debating chamber at the Civic Hall.

Oulton Hall Estates want to build 200 homes on two 3.5 hectare sites on the edge of Rothwell at Royds Lane, and Fleet Lane, Oulton. A planning application was rejected by councillors earlier this year following huge local objections. But the inquiry has been called after the company has appealed against the decision.

Rothwell councillor Stewart Golton (Lib Dem) said: "We put a lot of pressure on the planners to find a local venue in Rothwell or Oulton so that as many people as possible could let the inspector know how they feel. However, the four-day length of inquiry meant that none of our busy community halls could accommodate as they were booked up."

He added: "Reluctantly we accepted that Leeds Civic Hall was the only option."

But just days before the appeal was due to be heard, the decision was made to change to the new venue.

Coun Golton said: "It is essential the inspector sees the level of
opposition to these developments, and those residents less familiar with Leeds city centre will at least know where the Civic Hall is. However, the Old School Board is an obscure venue, and if people do not feel confident in finding it, they might not make the journey into town.
"These applications are very significant not only for my ward, but for the future development of the whole city. The principle issue is that developers are trying to overturn the development blueprint as decided by communities."

A spokesman for the city council said anyone registering objections to the plan has been sent a map of the Old School Board's location near Millennium Square.

Oulton Hall Estates claim the plans will set a precedent for environmentally friendly homes with at least 25 per cent of properties being affordable for key workers, first time buyers and families.