The decision over plans for a new site for Ilkley Grammar School is unlikely to be made before March, Bradford Council has confirmed.

An outline application to rebuild the school on council-owned green belt land off Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding, has finally been validated by Bradford Council planners, and public consultation can now begin.

The proposed building backs onto the railway line, and has been designed to accommodate more than 1,900 pupils by 2018, plus over 100 staff.

Although supporters of the plans see it as a solution for the competition for schools places, and a way to give students the best possible facilities, there is concern about the impact of the scheme.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth said she planned to object on the grounds of environmental impact, highway impact and the design.

“The impact on the village of Ben Rhydding is something that I feel I have to speak against,” she said.