A decision on housing planned for High Fell Rise, in Fell Lane, Keighley, has been deferred by the town's planning sub-committee.

Putting off a decision, members said they were worried about the effect of the extra homes on local schools. Cllr Jack Womersley told members of the sub-committee they should be looking for a contribution towards educational provision as part of development of the 2.5-acre site.

The land is earmarked for housing under the Unitary Development Plan, the council's land use blueprint, and officers recommended outline approval. But there were eight objections from people concerned about loss of privacy and daylight, increased traffic, and the effect on overburdened drains, sewers and schools.

Cllr Barry Thorne said he was concerned about the Fell Lane area, where he said houses were being packed in like sardines.

Keighley planning sub-committee chairman John Cope has welcomed moves to improve services in Keighley.

He ordered an inquiry in the wake of admitted mistakes involving the Freedom Mill site at East Morton. Planning officers and councillors came under fire from villagers when block of flats were approved accidentally which broke regulations and were built bigger than residents expected.

The sub-committee heard of proposals to take on a mobile planning officer to help out during staff absences and to reorganise staffing levels in planning offices.

Members were told that pressure on staff had contributed to the mistakes.

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