COUNCILLORS are calling for an inquiry after complaining they were pressurised by officers over a controversial proposal to build hundreds of homes.

Planners last week gave permission for 294 houses on Lindley Moor, despite opposition from residents.

Kirklees Council’s Huddersfield Planning Sub-committee made the controversial ruling even though it had rejected the proposal at a meeting just four weeks earlier.

Chairman Clr Donald Firth yesterday complained that council officers had put pressure on the sub-committee at last week’s meeting.

Officials claimed that if councillors did not back the plan developer Miller Homes would win permission on appeal – costing taxpayers thousands in legal fees.

The Holme Valley South Conservative said: “The committee seemed to be being pushed to give the plan its support.

“They were threatened about the cost if they didn’t support the plan.”

Clr Firth added that councillors should not consider the cost of a possible appeal when they refuse planning permission for any development.

“That, to me, is irrelevant,” he said.

“We can only read the facts of the application and vote yes or no.”

Clr Firth added: “I have concerns, I think everyone has concerns about that meeting. We’re going to look into it.”