PLANS to build another new housing development in Silsden have sparked a storm of protest.

Bradford Council has been swamped with objections to the proposed scheme, for 100 homes on land off Belton Road.

The properties would be constructed next to a recent development of 220-plus houses.

Behind the latest outline planning application is Countryside Properties, which claims the scheme would make an "important contribution" towards addressing the district's housing supply needs.

But objectors say the town doesn't have the infrastructure to cope with yet more new homes.

Craven ward district councillor Rebecca Whitaker, who also serves on Silsden Town Council, says residents are telling her "very loudly and very clearly" that they strongly object to more housing.

"The impact of yet another development on the already heavily congested local highways is a scary prospect," she said.

"This proposed development, plus all the other housing sites which have already been constructed or are in the midst of being built, will result in many hundreds more vehicular journeys in and around the town. This will also have a negative impact on pollution levels."

Cllr Whitaker said there were no sustainable transport links.

"Steeton & Silsden railway station is within walking/cycling distance but until a crossing is constructed across the A629 then the station is not safely accessible," she said. "The delivery of a footbridge is quite possibly years away, if indeed it will ever be delivered at all due to the ever-increasing cost. There are no proper cycle routes in the town. There isn’t even a direct bus service to neighbouring Skipton."

She adds that she's "deeply worried" about how another large housing development will impact on education, medical and dental provision in the town.

And Cllr Whitaker fears the scheme could create major flooding problems.

"The culvert under Belton Road doesn't have sufficient capacity to cope with the volume of water from Silsden Beck when it is in flood," she said.

"To build-up the height of the proposed site may help mitigate floodwater on that land, but fast-flowing floodwater will have to go somewhere."

She urges people to make their views known on the Bradford Council online planning portal – application reference number 21/06376/MAO.

Cllr Whitaker says she and her fellow ward councillors are holding their monthly surgery at The Hive, in Silsden, on Saturday, February 5, between 10am and noon, where residents are welcome to raise any particular concerns.