REFUSED plans to build on "the most important undeveloped field" in Cononley will come under the scrutiny of a government planning inspector next month.

The plan, to build up to ten houses at Madge Bank, off Crosshills Road, was refused by Craven District Council, against officer advice, in February.

Councillors turned the plan down largely because of its impact on the conservation area, although there were also concerns about highways safety.

They had also taken into account a recent appeal decision which had seen the rejection of 16 new homes at Crag View in the village.

Residents and Cononley Parish Council, who had mounted a campaign against the proposals, were delighted with the decision not to build on what they saw as an important and historic green space.

But a planning inspector could now overrule the decision following a public hearing on December 15 at the council offices in Belle Vue Square.

David Murgatroyd, spokesman for objectors, said they had several concerns, including the staging of the hearing in Skipton and not in the village itself.

He said a great many people turned out to the planning committee meeting earlier in the year, and as many were expected to attend the hearing.

"Many residents would like to attend (the hearing) and it would be easier if it was held in the village. It is not unusual for this type of hearing to be held in village halls, and the institute has excellent facilities including a separate room which would be available for the inspector," he said.

"The planning committee rejected the application and this was in accordance with the wishes of the parish council, (ward councillor) Cllr Patrick Mulligan, other external bodies and, most importantly, the residents of Cononley."

The hearing on December 15 follows an appeal by Hazel Watts into the refusal of resubmitted plans for the site. The scheme is for a maximum of ten houses and includes community open space, vehicle and pedestrian access and improvements to the highway. There would also be off-street parking for residents and landscaping.

The hearing, which will be open to the public, will start at 10am and is expected to last a day.