RESIDENTS of Embsay and Eastby have submitted more than 750 pages of written objections to two planning applications for 53 houses, which they feel could destroy the unique, rural nature of the villages.

That is the claim of the Keep Embsay Rural campaign, which is objecting to proposals to build two estates in an area where, it claims, there is no clear need for housing.

One of the plans - for 21 detached and semi-detached homes on open land off Main Street and Laurel Croft - is due to go before Craven District Council's planning committee on Monday.

The scheme has been strongly opposed by Embsay with Eastby Parish Council, which also calls on the speedy completion of the Craven Local Plan.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is also opposed because of the impact on the conservation area and county highways also raises concerns.

A further 124 objections have been received by Craven District Council, including from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), and the Police Liaison Officer.

On Monday, the council's planning committee will be recommended to refuse the scheme because of the increase in the number of vehicles using the Laurel Croft/Main Street junction.

Traffic generated by the development would be "likely to create conditions prejudicial to highway safety", says the report to committee.

The other plan is for 32 dwellings on Kirk Lane.

It too has been opposed by the parish council following guidance from an independent planning consultant.

Members say the proposal does not fall within Craven District Council’s recent Preferred Sites document, does not constitute sustainable development and will have a severely adverse urbanising impact upon the character of the area.

A large number of residents have also raised objections.

A spokesman for the Keep Embsay Rural campaign said; "The residents of Embsay are confident that our elected councillors will listen to the views of local residents and stay strong in the face speculative developers with no interest in the villages apart from making money.

"We are not against the building of houses, particularly affordable homes, but these need to be located close to existing infrastructure including public transport, safe and accessible roads, shops and employment opportunities. They should not be built on good farm land or green spaces which are part of our local villages. Once built they will destroy our countryside forever."