PLANS to build homes on the “last green green space in Hapton” are being opposed by residents and councillors.

A consultation is currently being held about the intention of social housing group Calico Homes Ltd to build eight houses and a bungalow close to Church Street and Water Street.

The area has been used by many as an unofficial village green in recent years.

The green area was formed after a previous clearance of homes around 35 years ago.

Hapton Parish Council is opposing the plans.

A report from its September meeting states: “Residents raised concerns that the area is the last green space in the village centre.

“The school is at full capacity so new houses will be a burden on the existing infrastructure and social houses are not needed in Hapton, although homes for the elderly would be preferred if housing must be provided.

“It has been agreed that the parish council will object to the application on the grounds that a visual amenity will be lost, the existing infrastructure cannot support additional properties and the type of property is not needed – but bungalows would be preferred.”

Jean Cunningham, Hapton with Park councillor said she would oppose the plans.

She said: “For more than 30 years this little area has been used as an official village green.

“There’s other much larger housing developments already going on and this is something the village doesn’t need.”

A three-week public consultation on the plans ends tomorrow and the matter will then be passed on to councillors to consider.