AN area known as a 'green wedge' between Cross Hills and Sutton has been preserved after plans to develop land there were rejected.

Craven District Council planning committee turned down the proposals for the land between the villages on the eastern side of Holme Lane.

Coun Stephen Place said that he didn't think the developer had done anything wrong in putting the plans in for the site but added that there was ill feeling in Sutton with regards to them. He used the analogy of the green belt: "When our belts are cut our pants fall down."

Sutton Parish Council had strong objections to the development, stating: "This is a green belt site and outside the Sutton development limits. There is also the problem of increased traffic coming from this development with a very large school practically next door and a very narrow footpath along the nearby corner."

Fifty letters concerning the issue were received and included comments that the development would spoil the area's outlook and beauty, could create extra pressure on the already overcrowded schools, drainage and sewage system and the villages might lose their individual identities.

Coun Mike Doyle said: "We should hang on to green wedges.

"These villages are proud of their own identities. We have got a policy and we should stick to it."