A MAJOR development in South Craven could include 220 homes and a new £7.5 million bridge across the railway.

Developers Harron Homes have been in talks with Craven District Council since withdrawing a smaller scheme of 50 homes for the site at Ashfield Farm in Cross Hills.

The new plan would not include any affordable homes, but it would feature a new bridge over the railway, relieving pressure on Kildwick level crossing and ultimately leading to its possible closure.

The Leeds-based developer’s original plan for the site, off Skipton Road, raised concerns from residents, including the pressure on the level crossing, which can be closed for up to 40 minutes in any one hour.

Glusburn ward councillor, Philip Barrett, said: “This latest possibility put forward to bridge the railway through development is a major issue for South Craven and one which must be fully explored.

“I would stress, though, it’s early days, but if, and I stress if, it did prove to be an option, then it would be subject to full public consultation later this year as a potential land allocation in the draft Local Development Plan.”

He added it was vital the public is fully involved and able to have a say on such a major planning issue.

“The long running transport infrastructure problems in South Craven are a major concern locally, and about which I am contacted regularly as county councillor,” he said.

“Despite my best efforts, the county council dropped the railway bridging scheme from its Local Transport Plan a number of years ago, and with it the opportunity to possibly reopen the railway station in the future.”

The plan surfaced during consultations on the draft Local Development Plan, and will now have to be considered before the draft can be finalised, towards the end of the year.

Fellow Glusburn member, Graham Beck, said there are long-standing transport issues in Craven, particularly in Cross Hills and Glusburn.

He added: “I have continued to raise my concerns on the effect this has on the lives of our local residents. Any possibility of building a bridge must be explored fully and, of course, the residents of Cross Hills and Glusburn must be allowed to have their say.

“The railway bridge scheme should never have been dropped by the county council, so I would be happy to explore any options open to resolving our transport problems.”

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail 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.