A PLAN to create a road to a potential housing estate in Silsden has “more holes than a Swiss cheese”, according to campaigners.

Silsden Campaign for the Countryside this week branded the controversial planning application from Silsden Development Company as “horrifyingly short on detail”.

The road, from busy Bolton Road, would serve up to 500 houses on fields at Hawber Cote, as well as providing an alternative access to the planned new Silsden Primary School campus.

The Campaign Group have issued a new statement through its co-convenors, Caroline Whitaker and Cathy Liddle.

The pair said: “We must oppose it with all seriousness and diligence in case somehow this unsustainable, environmentally unfriendly project slips through the democratic net and brings unfathomable and irredeemable consequences for Silsden.

“We are looking at a road leading to a massive housing development in a beautiful countryside location which is particularly treasured by the local community,” said the co-convenors.

The Campaign Group has previously claimed the enabling road would cut across fields, historic footpaths and feeding grounds for nesting birds.

The co-convenors added: “At a time when we are urged to take more exercise, reduce our mental stress, protect our disappearing species, maintain our tree-lines against the effects of soil erosion and flooding, it seems incredible that such a beautiful stretch of our countryside, offering all these benefits, should be under such calamitous threat.

“With all the energy and resources our campaign can muster, we shall continue to research, advocate and campaign on its behalf.”

Chartered surveyors David Hill, agents for the planning application, declined to comment at this time.