A BID to build three homes in Cowling, near Keighley, has been refused.

Proposals included three, three-bedroom properties on land next to Fold Lane as well as space for allotments so residents could grow their own vegetables. A new access point off Fold Lane was proposed.

A previous plan for five homes on the site, which is on agricultural land south of the A6068, was withdrawn last year.

The application to North Yorkshire Council had received 33 objections from villagers with two letters of support. Cowling Parish Council also objected to the scheme citing concerns about traffic.

Despite a report published by a transport specialist stating the plans would result in no detrimental impact on local roads, several letters of objection said the scheme would increase traffic in the village, which has a population of 2,355.

Others raised concerns that the scheme was the first step towards developing more of the green field in the future.

The developer, who was not named in planning documents, argued through its planning agent Preston Barker Planning, that the homes were needed in Cowling and would help to meet the council’s housing targets.

But the Council disagreed, stating in its refusal letter that it already had a sufficient supply of housing planned.

It added: “Whilst a small site can contribute to meeting the housing requirements of an area, the provision of three additional dwellings would not make a substantial difference.”