ABOUT 150 people attending an exhibition showcasing plans to build 190 homes in Silsden.

Townspeople expressed varied views on Countryside Properties’ proposals to develop its land off Keighley Road.

Residents attending the consultation event raised issues such as traffic, drainage and the pressure on local infrastructure.

The exhibition in Silsden Methodist Church was held by the developers in advance of it making a formal planning application to Bradford Council to build the properties.

The company plans to build homes suitable for key workers, such as nurses and teachers, as well as young families, on the site off Belton Road.

A spokesman for Countryside Properties, which has been responsible for major housing developments across the UK, said the exhibition was well-attended.

He added: “As may be expected, residents had a range of views on whether new homes are needed in Silsden.

“Lots of people noted our site benefits from being south of the town and close to the railway station and existing bus stops.

“Residents also asked about traffic in Belton Road and Keighley Road and about on-site drainage. It has been really useful to hear about the experiences of people who live and work in Silsden.

“We are paying close attention to these comments as we review the application ahead of submission.”

The spokesman said everyone at the exhibition agreed local infrastructure must keep pace with the growth Bradford Council has planned for Silsden.

The town has been earmarked for 1,200 new homes during the next 15 years as part of the council’s latest district-wide development strategy.

The spokesman added: “Countryside Properties is willing to make a significant investment to help the town grow in a planned and sustainable way.

“We listened to residents explain their priorities for local investment, and we will take these comments into our discussions with officers at the council."

Under the section 106 rules, developers of major housing projects have to pay thousands of pounds for infrastructure or community improvements to help meet the pressure on local facilities caused by new residents.

Countryside Properties said discussions with Bradford Council had raised a number of options, including contributions towards a bypass, a new primary school or a footbridge linking the railway station and the town.

Anyone wishing to find out more about the proposed Belton Road development or give their opinion can visit homesforsilsden.co.uk, e-mail homesforsilsden@lexcomm.co.uk or call 0844 5563002 on weekdays between 9am and 5.30pm.