A quiet hilltop village could become louder and busier if a plan to build a housing estate on green land is approved.

Developer Jones Homes hopes to build 66 houses and a shop on land in Hade Edge.

The village, which straddles West and South Yorkshire along the Pennine tops, currently has a modest number of homes.

But the number is set to increase significantly if Kirklees Council approves the plan to build 23 three-bedroom houses, 37 four-bedroom houses and six five-bedroom houses and a convenience store.

Jones Homes has said the estate, which will include some affordable homes, ‘will enhance the character and appearance of the locality’.

But a former Hade Edge resident said the development would ‘dramatically change’ the village.

Jones homes proposing to build 60+ homes off Dunford Road, Hade Edge.

She said: “I can’t imagine a convenience store being viable and it may well compete with the butchers who stock a range of ‘basics’.

“It’s a lot of people to add to a small village but it might keep the school viable.

“Traffic will surely be an issue as many vehicles travel along Dunford Road (at) well above 30 mph...

“I suspect it will dramatically change the village.”

In the application to the council a spokesperson for Jones Homes says: “The scheme incorporates affordable and modern homes whilst creating a sustainable community encouraging neighbourly spirit and creating a sense of place.

“On site public open space is to be provided which can be accessed easily from site. One convenience store is also to be provided.

Jones homes proposing to build 60+ homes off Dunford Road, Hade Edge.

“It is considered that the indicative scheme shows how the site would be developed to provide a high quality development which will enhance the character and appearance of the locality.”

Local Labour member James O’Flynn advised opponents of the plan to complain to their local MP.

He said: “This development is bound to be controversial and the council will be blamed, but people need to remember it’s the Government in London who are driving this.”

A public meeting to discuss the proposal has been organised by Hade Edge Fight for the Fields Campaign. It takes place at Hade Edge FC Clubhouse, on Tuesday August 23 at 7pm.

Kirklees councillors will decide on the plan after a public consultation ends on September 7.

Jones homes proposing to build 60+ homes off Dunford Road, Hade Edge.