Hundreds of people packed into a community centre to discuss controversial plans to build a housing estate on a quarry.

Feelings ran high at the meeting, at St Clare’s Community Centre, Fagley, as residents voiced their opposition to the 600-house development proposed by Marshall family, owners of Fagley Quarry.

Councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) struggled to keep control at times and Bradford East MP David Ward MP, who also spoke, tried to calm the mood of the meeting and organise a team of representatives to fight the proposal.

Part of the development would be built on Throstle Nest Riding School – throwing the group’s future in doubt. Riding school owner Jeannette Wheeler said: “It is heartwarming to feel and be told about the affection the local residents have for the riding school.

“We appreciate the support and hope that we will be able to continue providing this popular and much-needed service for many years to come.”