A CONTROVERSIAL scheme for a 72 home development on the site of a demolished Baildon school will be discussed by Bradford planners next week.

And campaigners and ward councillors are urging anyone opposed to the plan to get their objections into City Hall before the Regulatory and Appeals committee sits on Tuesday, September 1.

The local authority itself has submitted an application for the first two stages of a four-phase development on land once occupied by Ferniehurst First School, beside Cliffe Lane West and Valley View.

While it is a designated brownfield site, over time it has become grassed and wooded and is a valuable haven for wildlife, say surrounding residents.

The proposed new estate would be a mix of family homes including 20 social housing properties with another 52 family homes for private sale.

The total development includes a further two possible phases, which though not part of this application, would build an additional 53 properties on another part of the site.

Amy Simister, secretary of the Baildon Action Committee formed to fight the Ferniehurst plan, urged people from across Baildon to attend the meeting.

"This will affect the whole of Baildon," said Mrs Simister, a quantity surveyor.

"What we need is better infrastructure to cater for the current number of people.

"At the moment it's a nightmare with the gas works, but there will always be that sort of trouble and more houses, means more people and cars on roads - which means more chaos for everyone.

"Baildon needs better infrastructure before such a plan should even be considered.

"We are asking anyone who can to go along to the meeting to please do so," Mrs Simister said.

Ward councillor Mike Pollard will address Tuesday's meeting, which is scheduled to start at 10am in City Hall.

"I would encourage people to put in any comments on the scheme right up until the last gasp," said Cllr Pollard, (Con, Baildon).

"I will be appearing before the Regulatory and Appeals Committee and there are are all sorts of elements in the Council's proposals which are seriously flawed or contradictory.

"Of course, I will be highlighting these matters," he said.

Fellow ward councillor Debbie Davies praised the Baildon Action Committee for its hard work in garnering opinion.

"They have been fantastic and organised petitions and meetings which prove how passionately residents feel about this issue.

"Local people are opposed to this and the Council should respect that fact and listen to them," said Cllr Davies, (Con, Baildon).