A HOTLY-contested housing site at Sutton has been included in the proposed Craven Local Plan for residential development.

Despite being rejected by Craven District Council and upheld by a planning inspector, the land at Sutton Lane has been put forward as a preferred housing site in the local authority's planning blueprint.

Spatial planning manager, Sian Watson, told the council's spatial planning sub-committee the size of the proposed development is "substantially smaller".

But Sutton ward councillor, Stephen Morrell, disagreed and said the parish council and several residents could not understand why such a contentious housing site had been included.

He added: "I feel very strongly, as do the parish council and residents, that the same objections would apply.

"There is great concern this is a preferred site, having been rejected by this council and by a planning inspector at appeal."

He said the parish council itself felt unable to put forward any housing sites until the causes of recent and unexpected flooding had been looked into.

The meeting also heard representations from residents of Giggleswick and Settle about the perceived blending of the two settlements.

Giggleswick is a village on its own and should not be seen as a part of a "greater Settle", according to former councillor and retired solicitor, Derek Jordan.

He said if all proposed sites are taken up, Giggleswick will see a 30 per cent increase in its population and a "fundamental change" in its character.

Mr Jordan further criticised what he described as "last minute" additions to the plan and asked for more extensive consultation – and not during the summer holidays.

A four-week consultation kicks off tomorrow, but will not include any public meetings.

Mrs Watson said documents can be viewed on the council website, while hard copies will be available at the council offices in Belle Vue Square and placed in libraries. People can write or e-mail their comments, and are welcome to telephone to talk to an officer, added Mrs Watson, but there will be no additional public meetings with officers on hand to answer questions.

It is planned to bring the draft plan for approval before the full council at its meeting in September, in order for it to be sent for government approval.

Mrs Watson said officers are working to a very tight deadline and are trying hard to make sure the plan will be ready in time for the September meeting.

Local authorities have been warned by central government they need to complete their Local Plans by next year, or they will be completed for them. Craven is one of the almost 20 per cent of councils in the country without an up-to-date Local Plan. The council is proposing a house building target of 256 homes per year until 2032.