TWENTY-FIVE homes are to be built on fields opposite Ingfield Lane, Settle, despite fears over road safety.

Residents are concerned that the lane will become more hazardous, with drivers reversing onto the road from the new properties, close to a blind bend.

Craven District Council's planning committee had previously asked for a greater mix of properties within the development, including affordable housing.

On Monday they approved a scheme with three two-bedroom houses, seven three-bedroom houses, 10 four-bedroom houses and five five-bedroom homes.

The developer will also allocate land for a play area.

Resident Alan Richer opposed the plans saying they represented a vast change to the original application in 1986 to build bungalows on the site.

He added: "There could be a serious traffic hazard. No properties should have access to Ingfield Lane, they should have a separate access. It is dangerous because it is both narrow and blind."

Coun David Heather backed the neighbouring householders, commenting: "Local residents are very concerned. It is a real hazard because drivers cannot see what is coming towards them.

"One dwelling already parks on the road and that causes a problem now. In the future if we have got five houses along there, visitors will park on the road and that is really going to increase the hazard."

Coun Paul English wanted more affordable homes on the site and quoted Craven District Council's own housing survey which called for more two and three bedroom houses to be built.

He said: "Sixty per cent of our residents have an income below the national average of £22,000.

"We have done a study that has come back saying the need is for two and three bedroom units, not five bedroom houses, unless the Walton family is moving into Settle. I don't think anyone in the Settle area will benefit from this. Local people will not be able to afford these houses."

Coun Richard Welch added: "There is a vast need for affordable housing. We don't want four and five bedroom houses."

However as the application was originally granted in 1986 before rules allowing authorities to insist on affordable housing were introduced, planning officers' hands are tied.

Coun Marcia Turner supported the application, saying "to keep putting up little boxes all over the place" didn't do Craven any favours.

Planning officers also pointed out the gates to the properties would be set back 4.5 metres from the road and the footpath should be extended along Brockhole Lane (Watery Lane) to increase highway safety.

Councillors gave planning officers delegated authority to approve the application subject to an agreement to provide an area of land as outdoor play space.