Eastburn residents and businesses are banding together to fight plans for 147 homes in the village.

District councillor Andrew Mallinson has pledged support for the newly-formed group campaigning against the development.

Campaigners this week presented Coun Mallinson with a document containing several pages of objections.

He told the Keighley News the main concerns are traffic congestion, effects on the environment and lack of infrastructure, such as school places.

A planning application for the 147 homes, on farmland beside Airedale Hospital, was submitted to Bradford Council last month.

This followed outline plans for the 6.2-hectare site in Main Road, which were revealed at a public meeting last year.

Plans include detached and semi-detached houses with an access road, traffic lights in Main Road and a drop-off point for children at Eastburn Junior and Infant School.

Coun Mallinson, who represents Craven ward on Bradford Council, this week said he “absolutely” supported the campaigners.

He added: “They are all residents from the surrounding area of Eastburn, and some have business connections in the area.

“They share genuine concerns about this proposed development.”

Coun Mallinson said one major fear is about traffic lights at a planned new crossroads in Main Road – opposite the existing Grange Road junction – for the access road.

He said: “Residents facing onto the main road are concerned about noise and air pollution from cars waiting for the lights.”

Householders are also worried about potential delays for ambulances trying to reach Airedale Hospital from Craven villages.

He added: “We can’t have a bottleneck at that side of the hospital. There are already regular tailbacks towards Steeton Top and at the Cross Hills level crossing. There’s potential for the traffic to be fouled up completely.”

Coun Mallinson said he understood the current planning application is the first of two phases, with more housing expected in the future.

Chartered surveyors David Hill submitted the bid following public consultation and meetings with parish council, primary school and hospital representatives. In its application to Bradford Council, the company states plans have been amended in the light of matters raised during the community consultation event.

It added: “The consultation process brought up many valid design and safety considerations, which, where possible, have been incorporated into the proposed scheme.”