CULLINGWORTH councillors are opposing plans to build more than fifty homes on a village site.

The village council is recommending that the outline scheme, for up to 53 houses on the former station yard, be refused.

But chairman Jacqui Guy said that with negotiation, the project had the potential to provide a "heart" for the community.

"We support in principle the development of this site but not the planning application in its current form," she said.

"Cullingworth's population is increasing but we don't have the facilities to match.

"This scheme has the potential to provide a vibrant heart to the village, combining the provision of homes with space for cycling, horse riding, walking and allotments as well as safe access to pre-school learning and the primary school.

"Hopefully our ideas and concerns can form the basis for negotiation."

Concerns include flooding and traffic issues, pressure on the infrastructure and that the new houses would have an overbearing effect on some existing properties.

The application has been submitted by Wild Acres Ltd.

Agent, HOW Planning, said a community consultation event had been held and people's views would be taken on board.