A NEW residents’ action group has been set up to oppose plans to build 26 new homes in their part of Calderdale.

The residents will meet next week to discuss their concerns over  proposals submitted by John Crossley, who is seeking outline planning permission to build the homes at land off Bowling Alley, Rastrick.

Some residents believe the proposal brings concerns over potential loss of a green field site, flooding risk, the impact on a right of way and the possible impact of extra traffic on residential streets, used as a school route, which they believe were not designed for through traffic.

Residents are also concerned about more homes being built following approvals given for almost 400 new homes on two other sites close to Rastrick Fire Station, including the cumulative impact on the area.

The meeting will be at Rastrick Bowling Club on Sunday, August 2, from 2pm.

Coun Sophie Whittaker (Con, Rastrick) said she shared the “major” concerns coming forward from the community.

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“Not only is Rastrick Common used as a rat run for commuting, it is known for its potholes and problem parking and, of course, flooding,” she said.

“These additional houses will increase congestion on our local roads, increase air pollution, and increase the flood risk in the area.

“With Rastrick already densely populated, we have little Green Belt and green fields left in Rastrick to defend.

“Any further loss would be at the detriment of residents and the disrepute of the council.”

A member of the newly-formed group said residents believed they needed to make as many people as possible aware of the plans.

“We want to help neighbours understand the impact that these new houses would have on our area if approved, and to raise our well founded objections against these plans,” they said.

Of 89 public comments submitted so far via the council’s planning portal, 87 object to the plans.

Two supportive comments have been registered by the co-owners of the land, Christopher Meredith and Mr Crossley, who say their proposals meet all the council’s requirements having been identified by the authority as a possible housing site.

Mr Crossley challenges and refutes assertions which have been made on issues including flooding, public rights of way, environmental issues and impact the plans would have on the highway.

He said: “Unfortunately not everyone likes change, the fact is there is a large shortage of houses in Calderdale.

“A lot of neighbours who have commented on this when approached by myself to explain the situation, stated if they were in our position they would also build on the land.”

In documents submitted to support the application, Chartered Town Planner Roger Lee says the application “would deliver additional new housing in a sustainable location and where there is a need and demand” in an existing urban setting and would benefit the local economy.