VILLAGERS have voiced fears a planned housing development could create a traffic nightmare.

They claim already-congested roads near the Long Lee site would struggle to cope with the extra vehicles.

Concerns were raised after agent, David Hill, unveiled proposals for 58 homes on a greenfield site in Long Lee Lane.

The initial plans were displayed at a consultation event in the village hall on Monday, attended by more than 40 people.

Speaking afterwards, town councillor Judith Brooksbank, who represents the Long Lee and Parkwood ward, accepted there was a need for more housing. But she has several reservations about the plan.

“My main concern is the potential traffic situation,” she said.

“Park Lane into Long Lee Lane is not just a route to the village, it’s also used by people heading over the tops to Bradford and Halifax. It’s already an extremely busy road, particularly during rush hours and at school times. Additional vehicles would only make the problem worse.

“You also get traffic queues backing up, and that is partly due to the narrowness of the bridge at the bottom of Park Lane.

“If the housing scheme was to go ahead, I would hope the developer would pay for the reconfiguration of the bridge over the river.”

Cllr Brooksbank said action would also need to be taken to improve safety at the Glen Lee Lane and Cherry Tree Rise junctions.

And in addition to traffic matters, she said there were other issues to be considered.

“More families moving into the village will put increased pressure on places at the local primary school,” she added.

Caroline Sunter, for Skipton-based David Hill, said the proposal is at a very early stage and the agent is keen to get feedback from the public.

“At this point, there isn’t even a developer involved and there is no detail on the possible type of houses to be built,” she added.

“We had an informal consultation event to get people’s views on the principle of homes at the site, which is currently farmland but allocated for housing.

“The main issue people seem to have is about traffic in Long Lee Lane.”

All the feedback will now be analysed before more detailed plans are drawn up.

An outline planning application could be submitted to Bradford Council in the next six months.

The scheme would include landscaping and, where possible, existing drystone walls would be retained.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. Email richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to The Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.