A narrow but busy road in Cononley would be turned into a ‘death trap’ if plans for a new housing estate went ahead, according to objectors.

Applicant Mrs H Watts, of Skipton, is seeking outline planning permission to develop Madge Bank – a parcel of sloping land, bounded by Crosshills Road and the playing fields.

A design and access statement says the site – which is in the village’s conservation area – would have the capacity for 25 dwellings, and vehicular access would be via a new mini-roundabout.

And it adds it would provide affordable housing in an appropriate location.

But villagers say the scheme is totally illogical and ill-advised, and the parish council has called an extraordinary meeting to discuss the issue.

One Aire View resident said: “Even with the current levels of traffic, it is extremely difficult and dangerous for pedestrians to negotiate their way along this section of Crosshills Road.

“With an additional housing development, accessed by a mini-roundabout, this busy road will become a death trap.

“Because it is so narrow and there are no footpaths, more often than not you have to stand with your back against the roadway wall to avoid the traffic. This proposed access point will only exacerbate this.

“This proposed development is unsafe, in the wrong place and would result in this area of Crosshills Road becoming a no-go area for pedestrians attempting to walk this way to the village.”

Concerns have also been expressed about parking and the ability of the sewers and drains to cope with additional housing.

Parish council chairman Councillor Lois Brown said: “The council is having an extraordinary meeting on Monday purely about the planning application. We have invited residents to attend and express their views to enable the parish council to make an informed and comprehensive response to Craven District Council.

“Obviously, such a large and prominently-positioned development within Cononley needs very careful consideration, as any development of Madge Bank would alter the landscape of Cononley forever. We expect a large turnout of residents at the meeting on Monday, and look forward to hearing their views.”

The meeting will take place in the village institute at 7.30pm.