A TOTAL of 50 homes could be built on a field next to a tumble dryer factory in Hipperholme as the firm is seeking to sell off its surplus land.

Crosslee, which makes the White Knight brand of dryers, is seeking outline planning permission for a plot of land to the north of its factory, off Brighouse Road.

The land is no longer needed for an expansion of the business and the firm intends to sell off the land to a housing developer should planning permission be granted.

Local residents and a ward councillor have objected to the scheme on a number of grounds, including traffic concerns due to the site’s proximity to the busy Hipperholme junction.

Councillor Colin Raistrick (Ind) said: “The effect on traffic in the area will add considerably to what is already a dire situation. “The proposed access point is in a very dangerous spot, with traffic accelerating towards Brighouse from Hipperholme lights.

“The right turn from this access, into what is for several hours of the day, standing traffic, is an accident waiting to happen.”

But Calderdale Council planning officers are recommending the plans be approved.

A report to Tuesday’s planning committee states that despite part of the undeveloped field being designated for employment, the use of the site for a residential development is considered acceptable.

Highways bosses “initially raised concerns about the impact of the development on the operation of the local road network” the report adds, but a “package of mitigating measures” put forward by Crosslee has helped overcome this.

These include 20mph speed limits on the A roads approaching the Hipperholme crossroads and a traffic regulation order near Tesco on Leeds Road.

Other conditions include two pedestrian refuges on Brighouse Road to help those crossing the road and reduce unsafe overtaking.