CONTROVERSIAL plans to build homes in a field in Brierfield are being recommended for approval despite a massive campaign of opposition from nearby residents.

Councillors are being recommended to grant the go ahead for 31 houses on land off Edge End Avenue when they meet on Tuesday.

The proposal has provoked a storm of protest from nearby residents who have gathered a petition of 182 names opposing the plan. There have also been numerous letters of objection from nearby homeowners. Their main objections are that access to the proposed estate would be dangerous and that local roads were not designed to take the large amount of traffic the new homes would create. Campaigners have listed a total of 72 arguments against the scheme.

The developers Wilcon Homes want to create a new access to the land through Clay Farm by demolishing some of the farm's outbuildings.

Campaigners claim the scheme would destroy a habitat for wildlife such as kestrels, owls, bats and foxes. They have been backed by Brierfield Town Council.

But a planning report, which will go before the council's Brierfield and Reedley area committee, argues the scheme is acceptable.

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