MORE than a dozen objections have been lodged against plans for a 25-home development in the centre of Harden.

Opponents of the scheme have raised several concerns, including that the existing infrastructure would be unable to cope and increased traffic would create safety problems.

The houses would be built on a site, off Keighley Road, which is currently agricultural land and home to a coal yard.

An outline planning application has been submitted to Bradford Council.

Among the online objectors is Harden Parish Council, which fears parking restrictions recommended by the highways authority around the proposed access would have a damaging impact on the traffic situation.

"There are already parking restrictions in Keighley Road and the further restrictions would have a deleterious effect on traffic in the village," said clerk Eve Haskins.

She added there were also concerns the access road would damage the open village space and leave it vulnerable to further future development.

Residents opposing the scheme include Dennis Price, who said: "Twenty-five houses squeezed into the only green space in the village centre is outrageous.

"The scheme would spoil the tranquility and appearance of the centre and the sheer height of the land means the properties would tower above the village."

Agents David Hill held a community consultation event in January, when the proposals were displayed at the village's memorial hall. Nearly 40 people attended.

The company was contacted by the Keighley News for a comment, but no one had responded as we went to press.