FOUR detached houses being built in a Huddersfield suburb have sparked residents’ fears over flooding and traffic.

Beaumont Park residents are worried the Apple Homes development on Woodside Road will cause drainage and traffic problems, and spoil the look of the neighbourhood.

The houses are being built on a site previously occupied by a bungalow and a large garden.

But residents say having the houses built so close together will look out of place.

Frank Wilson, of Butternab Road, said: “If we’re going to see development, we want it in keeping with its surroundings, which is an area with fairly large gardens, lots of wildlife. We want to maintain that feel.”

Mr Wilson also said the site would be predominantly concrete, which could cause drainage and flooding problems for adjacent houses.

Brian Green, 53, also of Butternab Road, said: “Because of the development, there will be an increase in traffic at a junction which is already very problematic. There have been quite a few accidents over the years due to the layout and adverse camber.”

Residents are also annoyed because they were not consulted about the development.

Mr Green said: “We’d have appreciated it if someone had come to talk to us and see what we all thought would be acceptable for the area.”

Apple Homes originally wanted to build a block of flats on the site but had to amend plans after Kirklees Planning Committee upheld a petition containing 60 signatures.

Residents were powerless to object to the four new houses, though, because of the recent change in planning laws which saw gardens being classed as brownfield sites.

Managing director of Apple Homes, Paul Greene, said: “We can understand their concerns but what is the alternative? The Government say we have to build a certain percentage of houses on brownfield sites. We’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.”