Protesters against plans for a 270-home development on a greenfield site in Thackley used car-shaped bunting to show how vehicles would blight the area.

The proposed Persimmon Homes project for the Cote Farm site saw dozens of furious residents arm themselves with 300 pieces of bunting for an unusual protest on Leeds Road to demonstrate the potential queue of traffic.

Campaigners claim an extra 300 cars will use the development and use Leeds Road as a major gateway off the estate, saying it will increase traffic levels on an already busy road.

The proposal for the greenfield site beside Leeds Road, which is home to 25 horses at a long-established livery yard and a 500-year-old bridlepath, has led to more than 1,000 residents signing a petition against the plans.

Protesters, councillors and an MP united for the demonstration on Saturday to voice their concerns over the problems the plans, still to come before Bradford Council, will cause.

Coun Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “This is a good turnout of local people clearly expressing their views about what an additional 300 cars would do to Leeds Road.

“Another 300 cars would bring Leeds Road to a standstill.”

Martin Butters, of Leys Close, Thackley said: “The strength of local opinion on this is unbelievable.

“The development of 270 houses on this field will cause chaos and add to the traffic congestion that already exists along Leeds Road.”

MP David Ward (Lib Dem, Bradford East), said: “This is not housing land and should not be developed for housing. It is meant to be a protected piece of land.”

Previously, Persimmon Homes has said there is a recognised need in the area for the proposed two, three, four and five-bedroom properties.