RESIDENTS battling against luxury home plans hope a site visit has proved their point.

Homeowners in Oak Avenue in Meltham have launched a petition against an application from Jones Homes to build 24 houses with garages on nearby fields.

One of their key complaints is access and the issue was highlighted on Tuesday as councillors arrived in the area for a site visit.

One of the residents, David Lawton, saw the problems as the councillors’ coach attempted to negotiate the avenue, promptly getting in the way of a bus.

The residents have argued that the development, which includes four-bedroom houses, will put an unacceptable strain on an infrastructure which is already groaning.

The plan, including detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, received a frosty reception when it was discussed by Meltham Town Councillors on November 29.

Monday night saw campaigner John Butterfield take to the streets to gather signatures on a petition ahead of a decision by the planning committee later today.

The claim that increased traffic would clog up the narrow road appears to have been borne out when the councillors’ ride negotiated the avenue.

John Butterfield said: “The area simply can’t sustain this.

“In 2000 an application to build 25 houses was knocked back so how has it become more sustainable now?

“Work commitments are keeping me away from the planning meeting on Thursday, but there will be plenty of supporters of the petition there who will make their presence felt.

“The visit shows that there are already problems in the area and passing this would seriously affect everyone.”

Protestors also believe that people who move into any new homes would struggle to find a nearby school for their children.

The plans, submitted to Kirklees Council on October 20, include 23 for sale and 12 with four or more bedrooms.