Developers want to build 80 houses on village fields.

Residents of Wilsden are being urged to attend a consultation to hear more about the plans and put forward any questions or concerns to the agent acting for landowner Allied Textiles Ltd.

The green-field site, in Crack Lane, has been identified in Bradford Council’s Unitary Development Plan as land that can be used for residential developments.

The bid for the 3.5-hectare site comprises detached or semi-detached family houses, gardens and off-street parking. Plans also include ‘affordable’ housing for local people.

James Podesta, associate director of planning at CB Richard Ellis, the agent acting on behalf of the landowner, said: “The public exhibition demonstrates that we want to engage with the community about the future of their village and the potential development site on Crack Lane.

“There is pressure on housing across the country, driving problems in rural and village areas in particular, that mean local residents, particularly first-time buyers and young couples, can’t afford to live there.

“A sympathetic development such as this with affordable housing could be a positive addition to the locality, allowing families to remain in the village.

“We understand that there are competing pressures on land which is safeguarded for future development and we are interested to hear the views of residents in relation to our proposal for a low-density family housing development proposal.”

A spokesman for Wilsden parish council said: “We would advise the villagers to go along to air opinions.

“This is a large development that will have a massive impact on the infrastructure of the village.

“That is why we are pressing for people to go along.

“We have had people ring up and say they don’t want a new development.”

The consultation will be on Monday, December 20, from 10am to 7.30pm, at Wilsden Village Hall.

Councillor Michael Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural) said: “What gives me concern is the narrowness of Crack Lane. For a large development like that, it is a particularly bad junction on that road. I have grave concerns about the traffic issues.

“I will be discussing the issue with constituents, looking at their concerns.”