A PLAN to build 20 houses on an historic field at the heart of Addingham was this week described as 'the rape of the village'.

David Harrison, Conservative councillor for Addingham, said that if the homes went up on Manor Garth it would destroy the whole character of the village.

"Nothing is sacred if they build there," he said. "It is surrounded by listed buildings and should be left alone."

Manor Garth was earmarked for development more than four years ago but now, for the first time, a planning application has been submitted by developers Crosby Homes Yorkshire.

The land is owned by farmer Peter Johnson and his family. When contacted by the Gazette, he said: "No comment."

However, the planning application was confirmed by Philip Darcy, managing director of Crosby Homes Yorkshire, who said: "We have submitted a planning application for 20 relatively small terraced properties on Manor Garth, an allocated development site.

"If planning permission is given we will purchase the land from Mr Johnson."

Opposition to the development has united the whole village and residents say they will be deprived of their only surviving green open space if it goes ahead.

Parish councillors are so opposed to the plan they have requested a meeting with planning officers. Council chairman Alan Jerome said: "We don't think Manor Garth should be built on at all - historically, it is very important to the village."

Residents are worried that the famous view of Beamsley Beacon would be ruined and that The Rookery, a row of former weavers' cottages overlooking the field, would be obscured.

"Manor Garth has been open land for hundreds of years - I think it should remain as such. To do otherwise would devastate the village," said Julie Bridgman, 43, of Cragg View.

"Everyone agrees that this would spoil the whole atmosphere of the village," said Mary Ainley, 82, of Aynholme Drive.

There are also concerns that plans to build 32 houses on nearby Saw Mill Field would, along with the increased numbers of children at Addingham Primary School, raise traffic to chaotic levels.

Coun Jerome said: "The council is very concerned about the additional traffic that these two developments would generate. Bolton Road is already very congested and the new primary school will add to that. With cars from 52 more houses it will be ridiculous."

Resident Jane Whiteside, 62, of The Acres, agreed: "Both development sites are going to add more traffic to a road which is already very narrow and hard to cross.

"I am especially worried about the elderly people on Aynholme Drive and the children going to school. At peak times the whole area is going to be a danger zone. Something must be done because lives are being endangered here."