LONG waits at a railway level crossing could come to an end as part of a major housing scheme.

Proposals for a new £7.5 million bridge across the railway between Skipton and Keighley are being discussed as part of a scheme which could result in 220 homes being built in Cross Hills.

Developers Harron Homes have been in talks with Craven District Council since withdrawing a smaller scheme of 50 homes for the site at Ashfield Farm.

The new plan would not include any affordable homes, but it would include a new bridge over the railway, relieving pressure on Kildwick Level Crossing, and ultimately leading to its possible closure.

The Leeds-based developer's original plan for the site, off Skipton Road, raised concerns from residents, including the pressure on the level crossing, which can be closed for up to 40 minutes in an hour.

Glusburn ward councillor Philip Barrett (Ind) said: "This latest possibility put forward to bridge the railway through development is a major issue for South Craven and one which must be fully explored.

"I would stress though that it's early days but if - and I stress if - it did prove to be an option then it would be subjected to full public consultation later this year as a potential land allocation in the draft Local Development Plan."

He said it was vital the public were fully involved and able to have a say on what was such a major planning matter.

"The long running transport infrastructure problems in South Craven are a major concern locally and on which I am contacted about regularly as county councillor," he said.

"Despite my best efforts the county council dropped the railway bridging scheme from its Local Transport Plan a number of years ago and with it the opportunity to possibly reopen the railway station in the future."

The plan surfaced during consultations on the draft local development plan and will now have to be considered before the draft can be finalised, towards the end of the year.

Fellow Glusburn councillor Graham Beck (Ind) said there were long-standing transport issues in Craven, particularly in Cross Hills and Glusburn.

"I have continued to raise my concerns on the effect this has on the lives of our local residents. Any possibility of building a bridge must be explored fully and, of course, the residents of Cross Hills and Glusburn must be allowed to have their say.

"The railway bridge scheme should never have been dropped by the county council so I would be happy to look and explore any options open to resolving our transport infrastructure problems."