A VILLAGE is set for a big expansion after campaigners lost a battle against new homes.
Ninety-two houses are set to built on a site in Sunnymeade, Scissett.
Villagers say the development will bring problems.
The Rev Philip Reynolds, chairman of SOS (Save Our Scissett), said: "This will place considerable pressure on already overburdened schools, doctors, dentists and roads."
People in the village have been fighting since plans were first announced in 1999 for a Safeway supermarket and 320 homes.
Actress Prunella Scales backed the campaign as 500 protesters staged a march.
She sent a message of support in her role as president of the Council for the Protection of Rural England.
Developers Oakes Estates are being told they must fulfil conditions before work starts.
One is to provide affordable housing on the land.
The other is to put up money to create new breeding grounds for newts and frogs which live on the site.
Kirklees councillors gave the thumbs- up for development in the face of 147 letters of objection.
Mr Reynolds said his group would be watching closely to make sure the conditions were fulfilled.
He said: "We have stopped the 300 homes and delayed this sprawl of 92 for some time.
"We're obviously very sad that some councillors have preferred to ignore the public's views.
"Happily, we have not got the absolutely inappropriate flats which were proposed."
Highways officials decided not to raise any objections after new surveys. The surveys were done on Tuesday, September 27, by Kirklees and two days later by an independent consultant.
Mr Reynolds said he was unhappy that a greenfield site such as the one in Scissett was being developed before brownfield land.
"Urban brownfield sites need to be re-used and made vibrant. Rural greenfield sites need to be protected," he said.
