WORRIED residents are rallying against plans to build 116 houses on a green area in Bradford.

Local people in Bierley have been told of a developer’s intention to build on land between Spen View Lane and Shetcliffe Lane.

Campaigner Wylie Connor, of Spen View Lane, said a public meeting had been arranged for Monday, at Bethel Community Church in Shetcliffe Lane, starting at 7.30pm.

The retired architect said: “The idea is to formulate an objection. We are trying to get people forewarned.”

On the proposed development, Mr Connor said: “We received a small scale plan and a leaflet giving an indication of a proposed development on what used to be green belt.

“It was regarded as safeguarded land. We all knew it was safeguarded land. We didn’t expect them to try and squeeze 116 houses on it - it is very tight.

“They are trying to find out what everyone thinks, and no doubt make some adjustments.

“I have done a fairly lengthy letter to the developer, Martin Walsh Residential of Dewsbury.

“I was expecting the plans, but a lot of residents were not. About one and a half years ago I heard a rumour that this land was going to be developed by a housing developer.”

Mr Connor said he had spoken to Councillor Michael Johnson (Lab, Tong) about the matter. He said: “He has asked the developer if they are prepared to have a meeting with local people. They have not said yes or no.”

Taras Stefanyszyn, who lives on Spen View Lane, said: “There is no need for it round here. We have got empty houses just up the road that the council had to buy off a developer.

“It is just going to be another wasted development. Instead of spending money on improving the area, they are just building houses so someone can make a quick buck.

“I am a landlord. I know how many empty houses there are in Bradford.

“They should be concentrating on bringing jobs into Bradford, not houses. Bring industry in first, then jobs, then houses.

“There are about 4,000 empty properties in Bradford, I think.”

He added: “People who moved into the area bought for the view. It is a brilliant view and that is what we bought it for.”

Martin Walsh Residential declined to comment.

Cllr Johnson said the site had been allocated for housing for a number of years.

He said no formal planning application had been submitted, but he had asked the developer if they would consider holding a pre-planning drop-in for residents to learn more about what was proposed.

He said he hadn’t yet heard either way.