PLANS for 46 homes on former agricultural land could get the go ahead despite objections from residents and two village groups.

Rouse Homes has applied for permission to build the new housing estate on land south of Soureby Cross Way in East Bierley.

The 1.82 hectare plot sits between a recreation ground and green belt land and the development plans have sparked fears that village life could be lost.

Concerns raised by objectors include increased noise and disturbance to the quiet village, extra traffic the number of homes would bring and issues around widening the single track road for better access.

Village sports club, East Bierley Community Sports Association is concerned the development could hamper a sports track facility they plan to develop.

An entrance to the site would be created at Soureby Cross Way, from which a new estate road would run.

The objection states: "They were involved with the housebuilder at pre-application stage where access to the housing site was proposed to be off the existing track serving the playing fields. This would have been upgraded as part of the planning application.

"We are therefore disappointed that the current planning application takes access from the other side of the site and excludes the existing access road for the playing fields although it is understood that it will be owned by the developer. The loss of an opportunity to upgrade the access to the playing fields is very disappointing."

East Bierley Village Preservation Society states in its objection that it thinks the impact on the roads regarding safety, access and volume of traffic would be detrimental to the village.

"There are concerns about the widening of Soureby Cross Way and how much public or protected land will be taken by this. Our concerns continue re visabillity and safety when turning out of Soureby Cross Way.

"When cars are parked on Hunsworth Lane visibility is poor and it is particularly busy during school times. It is amazing that there have not been further accidents or incidents and we fell it is a matter of time for this."

A further objection adds of the sports association that the changed access and lack of upgrade to its track would hamper future plans to provide more facilities at the site.

"If the development moves ahead with the planned access point we are worried that the development would impinge on the available room meaning that the track would not be able to be developed at all in the future."

The plans themselves include nine terraced, eight semi-detached and 29 detached homes, which would all be two storeys in height.

Five of the 46 homes would have two bedrooms, 19 with three bedrooms and 22 with four bedrooms.

A report to Kirklees Council's strategic planning committee, which will determine the application, states that the site is allocated for residential development and the principle of homes at this site is considered acceptable.

Nine homes would need to be affordable housing, and contributions totalling £268,000 would be required for eduction, sustainable transport and open space.