PROTESTERS claim a proposed 140-home development on a greenfield site would create nothing short of a traffic nightmare.

They argue roads close to site in Occupation Lane, Oakworth, would be unable to cope with a huge influx of extra vehicles.

Countless objections have been submitted to Bradford Council, whose major development team is dealing with the application.

Councillor Brian Morris (UKIP, Keighley West), whose ward includes the 4.7-hectare site, has been approached by a number of residents concerned about proposals by Persimmon Homes.

“There are grave concerns about the volume of traffic this development would create and I share the concerns,” said Cllr Morris.

“I support the residents unquestionably on this. The development would lead to upwards of 200 extra cars using nearby Camborne Way and Wheathead Lane, which is ridiculous.

“Those roads struggle to cope already with existing traffic volumes.

“People are also worried about all the heavy lorries that will be coming and going during the construction period.”

But Wayne Gradwell, managing director of Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said the proposed 140 homes are “much needed”.

He added: “As a responsible developer, we will ensure access into the development meets the necessary local and national highway standards.

“The planned housing mix will incorporate a collection of two, three and four-bedroom properties. Following the feedback we received after the recent public consultation event, we submitted a planning application to Bradford Council and are presently awaiting the Council’s formal response.”

But Cllr Morris said a similar plan for housing in the same area of Keighley several years ago was rejected due to traffic issues.

“At the end of the day, people have a right to a peaceful existence and a good quality of life – and this scheme would greatly diminish that,” he said.

One Wheathead Lane resident, Frank Howard, questioned whether the fabric of the road would survive the additional vehicles.

“Already at peak times windows have to be closed due to traffic noise and exhaust emissions, and there is general disturbance, such as rattling and vibration caused by heavy vehicles,” he said.

“With an anticipated rise of 200-300 vehicles using the road, I dread to think what effect this will have.”

Keighley West Labour Councillors Adrian Farley and Jan Smithies held a surgery to discuss the plans and offer their support to the residents' campaign.

“I provided residents with a hand-out explaining how they can object to the application and we talked through some of the issues,” said Coun Smithies.

“We have offered to meet with residents again if they wish, and we will support them as effectively as we can.”