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A proposed development of 30 homes at Clapham has been overwhelmingly rejected.

The plans submitted by McGee Homes Ltd for the former Dalesview Garage on the outskirts of the village met all the criteria laid out by planning law and had been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The plans included 12 "affordable" houses in a development to be handled by social housing group Yorkshire Housing.

But members of Craven District Council's planning committee said they were horrified at the density, which they felt was more suited to a town than a village of 110 homes.

Clapham Parish Council chairman Eileen Plumridge said the development would make the village a quarter bigger.

"The loss of this site for employment use is regretted as, at present, jobs in Clapham are virtually non-existent. Anyone coming to live on the site would need to travel for work. There would be more cars on the road as public transport is limited and of very little use for most workers," she said.

The committee agreed the proposals would overwhelm the village, despite 30 houses being regarded by the Government as the minimum for the size of site. The maximum is 44.

Coun Marcia Turner said she would still prefer a development which included small workshops and units for local businesses.

Coun Stephen Butcher said he was amazed they were discussing such a large plan. "These proposals do not bear any resemblance to a hamlet or a village," he said.

Coun Ken Hart said there had not been sufficient marketing of the former garage site since 2004.

"What's the point in building affordable houses in places where there is no work for people to do? We need to protect employment land," he said.

Coun Richard Welch said there was no mention of any help for the school with the potential extra children on the new site.

Officers had said the plans were acceptable in principle and the loss of employment use was offset by benefits, such as enhancement of the area and the provision of affordable houses.

9:07am Friday 18th January 2008

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