RESIDENTS opposed to revised plans for a housing development in Cononley have reacted with anger after an objection by the highways authority was lifted.

North Yorkshire highways initially recommended refusal of the up to ten houses planned for Madge Bank, Crosshills Road, because they would be "unacceptable in terms of highways safety".

But following changes to the proposals by the developer, it has now issued a revised comment.

In its submission to the planning authority, Craven District Council, highways stops short of recommending approval, but advises the addition of several conditions "if permission is granted".

The application, which could be determined next month, has already raised many letters of objection from residents, from Cononley Parish Council, from English Heritage and from the Craven branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Now, objectors have questioned the findings of the highways authority and have called on it to see sense.

"We, the locals, have given you plenty of reasons why this scheme is unsafe, now, all we ask is that you apply your professional judgement and see what is so blindingly obvious - there are safety problems caused by the proposed layout," they say in a letter to the authority.

Ward councillor Patrick Mulligan (Cons) said he thought the original objection from the highways authority should stand.

"This is not a level playing field, the developer has had all the advantages," he said.

English Heritage, in its objection, describes Cononley as a "typical example of a rural village" and suggests development of the site would be harmful to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

In its lengthy objection, the parish council says the site, historically used as a public amenity including by sledgers in the winter, is "probably the most important undeveloped field in the village".

The council, which has serious concerns about the access to the site and pedestrian safety on Crosshills Road, has asked for a sight of any updated plans because of the huge amount of public interest.

The outline application includes community open space, vehicular and pedestrian access, highways safety improvements and off street parking for residents.

There would be four detached homes, two semi-detached and a block of four affordable homes - designed to look like a single large house.

In its design and access statement to the council, Sten Architecture says the scheme will "add value to the conservation area and protect its character and appearance".

It also offers highway safety improvements, off street parking and a possible new informal community garden next to the village recreation area.