Residents have stepped up their campaign against plans to build 19 houses on a piece of ‘marshland’ in Golcar.

Dozens of people living near to Ashford Park have formed a residents’ group to protest the cul-de-sac development on the rough land in Hall Ings, which lies adjacent to the street, behind no.23 and which was made the subject of a planning application by Leeds-based developer Steve Wilkinson in April.

Following an article in the Huddersfield Examiner which highlighted initial worries over increased flooding, the group have also brought up more issues which they say makes the land unsuitable for development of 15 detached and four semi-detached houses and the creation of a link road.

These include the impact the development could have on the roads and damage to wildlife.

One of the leaders, Christine Grabowski, who lives at Banks Crescent, which backs onto the development, attended a meeting at The Rose and Crown with around 70 other residents.

She said that residents were particularly concerned about traffic issues and ability of the roads to withstand the weight of construction vehicles.

Christine said: “Many agreed that the development could cause substantial traffic issues because the surrounding roads are not wide enough to take any more cars as they are already so congested with parked cars and are difficult to negotiate, especially at peak times.

“One resident also said that our roads, which were built to a minimum weight bearing standard, will not withstand the weight of all the plant and machinery that is needed to develop the site.”

Clr. Hilary Richards and local residents objecting to proposed development off Ashford Park, Golcar, Huddersfield, with access at drive of no.23.

She highlighted worries over flooding, which were also raised by site neighbouring resident Jane Fielding and the council’s environment officer, who reported concerns after discovering that the site is very wet with a significant area of marshland and inflow from what sounds like a spring.’

Christine said: “People living on Banks Crescent, Banks Avenue and Ashford Park have spent a lot of time and money trying to stop their gardens and garages from flooding but could be at further risk due to concrete runoff and drainage measures implemented on the site, which backs onto their houses.

“And Hall Ings is an important ecological site, which is a haven for breeding birds, rabbits, bats and foxes as well as English bluebells.

“All this will be lost if the building goes ahead, which has saddened many of us.”

They are now holding several focus meetings with 25 people and Golcar Labour councillor, Hilary Richards to work out their next steps before the application is considered at a future planning meeting.