A BID to tear up approval for a housing estate has been thrown out.
The rejection came after Kirklees councillors heard the move could cost more than £1m in compensation.
People living near the Slaithwaite site are fighting plans to build on steep land overlooking the cricket ground.
Villagers say the area's roads are poor and that the development could cause floods.
But they lost their fight at a meeting in Huddersfield Town Hall.
Planning permission for 83 houses was first granted in 1994 for the site between Hawthorn Road and Meadow Lane.
Councillors were asked to rule on an application by builders to alter the layout and reduce the number of houses to 61. Liberal Democrat councillor Gordon Beever said: "This site is totally unsuitable for housing.
"We should consider rescinding the existing planning permission."
But his call was rejected after the council's planning sub-committee heard it could result in £1m having to be paid to the builders, Silentway Developments.
Councillors agreed to give approval for the new scheme.
Committee chairman Clr Ken Sims said: "This is a horrendous site on a hillside. There is no doubt the existing planning permission would not be granted today.
"But we are in a cleft stick and have to try to get the best we can for the people of Slaithwaite," he added.
"At least with the new application we are getting some benefit, with public open space and fewer houses."
Building work has already begun on eight homes which have separate permission.
