Sutton residents voiced their concerns about plans to build new homes and apartments at Greenroyd Mill, on Main Street.

At a public meeting on Monday residents were invited to view plans for 69 flats and 31 houses submitted to Craven District Council.

Many residents said they were concerned at the impact such a development would have on the area in terms of added pressure to health and emergency services, as well as the road network.

Brian Clough explained that in the last 20 years around 360 new homes had been built or were planned and no significant changes had been made to the village infrastructure.

Along with other residents, he asked why the mill was not going to be pulled down, describing it as "an eyesore".

Architect John Coultas, from Bowman Riley, explained that the demolition of the mill had not been considered because it was considered part of the village's heritage.

Sutton resident Linda Harrison said the development needed to be in keeping with the village and not take away from it.

A number of residents also asked why the car parking spaces had been limited to one-and-a-half spaces per dwelling.

Craven District Council planning officer Richard Preston told the Herald the spaces were in accordance with highways standards.

Also, the plans took into consideration planning policy guidance from the Government, which sets down a maximum number of car parking spaces for developments. The idea behind the policy is to encourage residents to make use of public transport or cycle or walk.

Villagers asked if the planning committee would be able to get any developer to improve the road network near the development to alleviate anticipated traffic problems.

Mr Preston explained that the applicant had employed a consultant to carry out a traffic impact study and that the Highways department would put its recommendations to the planning committee.

As part of the proposal the applicant has agreed to allow the school adjacent to the development, Sutton Church of England School, to have a portion of land which would double the current playground area.

Also 13 homes have been set aside as affordable housing.