BATTLE lines have been drawn regarding opposed plans to build houses on farmland off the A65 in Hellifield.

Last month, Craven District Council's planning committee said it was minded to refuse outline plans to build 21 homes on the land off Kendal Road owned by CCM Auctions.

But on Wednesday, councillors will be told by officers their suggested reasons for turning the plans down "cannot be sustained".

At the last meeting, councillors heard strong opposition to the scheme from the parish council, residents and ward member, Cllr Chris Moorby.

They agreed with the objectors and deferred making a decision until the next meeting for officers to come back with sound reasons for refusal.

Councillors said reasons should include the fact Craven's five-year land supply target had already been reached and that Hellifield could not cope with more houses.

The loss of agricultural land – although officially classed as "poor" – was also cited as a reason for refusal, and the overdevelopment of the site, which measures just over two acres.

At Wednesday's planning committee meeting in Belle Vue Square, however, councillors will be told the previous recommendation to approve the scheme stands.

In the report to committee, all suggested reasons put forward by councillors are examined and rejected.

It states: "It is concluded that Hellifield is a sustainable location for residential development. [National planning guidance] advises that housing applications should be considered in the context of presumption in favour of sustainable development."