A COUNCILLOR has been swamped by emails from villagers angry at more plans for new housing.

Craven councillor Andy Quinn (Cons, Embsay) said they reflected widespread opposition to the plan for 21 houses on land behind Embsay Village Hall and off Laurel Croft.

The scheme follows an application for about 30 houses on land off Shires Lane, Embsay, which has also sparked fierce opposition.

Coun Quinn said he had received many emails against the latest plan including one from the Campaign for Rural England.

"I'm against the plan - it's totally inappropriate. I will be calling it in for debate by the whole planning committee," he said.

"I understand that we need more housing generally but this is not the right place in the village."

He believed that access along Laurel Croft was inappropriate because it was directly in front of property where elderly and vulnerable people lived.

A campaign group, Save Laurel Croft, is appealing to residents to record their opposition with Craven District Council.

A spokesman said: "This will have a major impact on this historic part of Embsay. We need your help to preserve the look, feel and integrity of our village. We cannot allow housing developers to keep forcing further developments on us."

Opponents also claim the site was known to flood and no flood assessment had been carried out.

The plans for the site can be viewed online at http://www.planning.cravendc.gov.uk/fastweb. The application number is 26/2014/14631.