COUNCILLORS in Haworth were invited to respond to early plans for potential new housing development in the village.

Landowner Jonathan Smith, accompanied by a planning consultant, presented the proposals for green belt land at Hawkcliffe Farm, off Hebden Road, to members of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council.

The pair explained that no planning application has been submitted yet, indicating that they were currently looking at building a possible 55 homes.

Mr Smith emphasised that these would be smaller properties, instead of big, detached executive-style houses.

"We want to do something that is sympathetic and in keeping with the village and meets everyone's needs" he said.

"And we want part of this land to be left open for wildlife and green space so it doesn't look like just another housing estate."

Councillors said they appreciated the opportunity to have a look at what is being proposed.

But they did point out the green belt status of the site, noting that they always like to see brown field sites developed first.

Council chairman, Cllr Gary Swallow, said: "From a council point of view we normally favour brown field land and want green fields to be reserved for when the brown field options have been exhausted."

Cllr Trudy Mahon said: "My only concern is that the more we have building on green belt the more we're setting precedents for further developments on this type of land."

Cllr Angel Kershaw said: "You have to consider not just the views from this site but the views of the site from other parts of Haworth.

"A lot of filming takes place in Haworth and the backdrops of the village used for this filming are very important. That must be taken into account."