PEOPLE living in Longwood are fighting a plan to build on one of the area's last green spaces.

They fear the bid for 15 homes at the end of Prospect Road is a development too far and may put the lives of children at risk.

The site is next to a large play area that only opened in August. It was seen as a safe haven for the area's youngsters.

But the development's entrance will be right next to the playground's gates.

Residents, backed by Golcar Liberal Democrat councillors Andrew Marchington and Bob Iredale, have vowed to fight the plan, which has been put forward by Barnsley architects Coda Studios Ltd.

At present a horse lives in the field - one of the last green fields in Longwood.

Residents say there are other brownfield sites that could be built-on in the area.

Planning permission has already been given to develop the nearby Parkwood Mills site into flats and houses.

Protesters say the green field is a vital buffer between that development and Prospect Road.

Clr Marchington said: "It seems unbelievable we should be considering building on a green field site in a village that has experienced more than its fair share of house building when there are many brownfield sites still suitable for development across the whole of Kirklees.

"I do not believe we should be thinking about putting any new houses on undeveloped sites in Longwood.

"If we are to maintain and enhance the quality of life in our villages, our green spaces need to be protected."

Clr Bob Iredale said he will make sure the outline application for the 15 homes will go before the council's planning committee.

"I will also be requesting a site visit so the councillors can see for themselves the difficulties with this site," he said.

Resident Nigel Aynsley said: "At the moment the children on this road and the surrounding area can get to the playground in safety.

"That won't be the case if this development is built. The road into it will be right next to the playground."

Mums Donna Mitchell and Amanda Hawrot led a three- year campaign to upgrade the recreation ground.

They raised £18,000 towards the £75,000 scheme through donations and fun events.

Kirklees Council allocated cash from housing developer Britannia to make up the total.

The money for community use was a condition of approving a planning application for Britannia's 76-home estate on the former Joseph Hoyle mill site at Prospect Road.

Miss Mitchell said:

"If this development is built, it will make the entrance to the playground very unsafe for the children."

No-one from Coda Studios Ltd wanted to comment at this stage.