AN APPLICATION to build four new houses in Cullingworth has been approved, despite opposition from at least 30 objectors.

Councillors voted to go along with a planning officer recommendation to allow the development at Woodfield House, Woodfield Road.

Residents who were against the plans had argued that the site is unsuitable because of the risk of flooding and the potential harmful impact on wildlife.

Other objections warned that the development would ruin the character of the area and would exacerbate traffic congestion.

However, the applicant, Halton Homes, pointed out that the new three-bedroom houses would be designed to resemble rural outbuildings, adding that the site would be landscaped to minimise the visual effect.

The company also stated that flood alleviation work would be carried out as part of the development.

The application was approved by Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel.

Commenting after the meeting, Shipley MP Philip Davies said: "I'm very disappointed that the planning committee has approved this planning application.

"I believe the flood risk issues were so severe that they alone should have led to the application being rejected even before the other concerns about this application were considered."