Protesters against a 270-home development on a greenfield site at Thackley are going on a campaign trail to promote their cause.

A verdict on the proposed Persimmon Homes project for the Cote Farm site is still to come from Bradford Council planners.

And opponents, including local councillor and Liberal Democrat leader Jeanette Sunderland, will be marching out across the threatened land in a protest walk to highlight their cause later this month.

The Save Cote Farm Campaign Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, and will set off from Thackley Cricket Club at 10.15am.

“Everyone is more than welcome, including families and we would like people to make their own home-made banners which could be used along the walk,” said Isobel Burgess, one of the organisers. “We’re planning on departing Thackley Cricket Club and after one big circle lasting about an hour and half heading back there were the club will be open for refreshments.

“Along the way we will walk along bridlepaths, Crooked Lane – the ancient and historic bridle path – see the fields and hopefully take some pictures including everyone with the banners on Leeds Road.”

Explaining the reason for the protest ramble, Miss Burgess added: “We’d like everyone to come together to save Cote Farm, for people to see the fields and the size of the proposed housing development first hand.

“It’s a huge loss of green space and we want to remind everyone that the fight isn’t over – we must all pull together,” Miss Burgess added.

Idle and Thackley councillor Jeanette Sunderland said there was great local opposition to the housing scheme.

She said: “There have already been more than 1,000 objections and this is about walking around ancient field systems and lanes which when they are gone, are gone forever.

“People need to get out and see just what they stand to lose.”

Persimmon Homes has previously stressed its view that there is a recognised need in the area for the proposed two, three, four and five-bedroom properties.

Wayne Gradwell, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said of the Cote Farm site: “We have endeavoured to address the concerns of the local residents and have carried out a wide range of in-depth reports.

“It is very important to us that we develop homes that serve the local community. We await a decision from Bradford Council.”