A MAJOR house-builder has attacked critics of its plans to build more than 200 homes.

McInerney Homes Yorkshire has applied for planning permission for the major development in Lower Hopton, Mirfield.

If given the go-ahead, the village will be home to 203 new homes and an office block.

They are to built on a plot of land in Chadwick Fold Lane, between the River Calder and the railway line.

The land is home to old storage and industrial workshops.

The firm says the scheme will be on under-used land and will also get rid of a site of heavy industrial use.

The development will include a wide range of properties, from flats to two and three-bedroom mews homes and detached houses.

But Kirklees councillor and Upper Hopton resident Clr Vivien Lees believes the scheme is not needed.

She said: "It is absolutely ridiculous. How much housing do they think they can cram into such a small area?

"I am particularly concerned about the huge amount of traffic it would cause."

Clr Lees, who is chairman of Mirfield Road and Safety, said the village's small winding roads would not be able to cope with the traffic.

She added:

"Unless they are prepared to put a bridge across the river I don't see how it will work.

"Mirfield railway station is woefully inadequate. There are only about 30 parking spaces, the service is limited and there is no disabled access. And Arriva has slashed its bus services in Mirfield.

"Also, Hopton Primary School is already oversubscribed.

She commented it would be a shame to lose the old buildings on the site, adding: "I feel strongly about losing the area's architectural heritage and feel that the character is going out of the place. I don't see how the development can benefit the area."

But McInerney Homes says the development would be on under-used land and would eliminate heavy industrial usage from the largely residential area.

A spokesman said: "This scheme repeats our successful recipe of meeting local market demand for well-located homes that come with a realistic price tag.

"Our aim is to provide truly affordable homes in Mirfield, in line with Government policy, and which adheres to our own policy of excellent value for money.

"The development at Lower Hopton will tidy up a relatively unsightly piece of land.

"It will give the whole area a rejuvenated look and feel, with superb streetscaping and landscaping, a public open space and children's play areas.

"There will be good pedestrian links between the site and the footpath along the River Calder.

"All this will be good news for local residents and businesses, as well as people looking to buy a new property."

The average price of a new McInerney home is £121,000.

The company's application will be considered by a Kirklees planning committee. The earliest date by which a decision can be made is October 3.