Plans to build on land used by Scouts and Guides have been abandoned after the Church was accused of putting profit before children.

Angry parents and Scout leaders claimed the Diocese of Bradford was trying to push the planning application through in the run-up to Christmas in the hope that no-one would notice.

But now in a dramatic development the application has been withdrawn just days before the deadline for objections. The proposal to build two detached houses on land next to the vicarage in Guiseley had been submitted to Leeds City Council with a supporting statement saying the site had been unused for many years and was not used by the Scouts.

But the claim was rejected by parents and Scout leaders who say the land is regularly made use of by local groups. Maureen Cooper, leader for the 15th Airedale Scout Group, says they were not informed about the application despite leasing the field from the diocese.

In a formal objection to Leeds City Council she says: “They were hoping to keep it quiet and get it passed at a time when everybody is very busy preparing for Christmas.

“This is despicable and shows the Bradford Diocese in true light.”

The Diocese of Bradford has not given a comment.