Plans to transform a vandal-hit derelict school into a residential development have been thrown out because the scheme does not contain affordable housing.

Shipley developer Magellan Residential wanted to demolish the Nab Wood Middle School building in New Close Road, Nab Wood, to make way for 23 homes.

The scheme had been welcomed by Shipley ward councillor Martin Love (Green) and community group Nab Wood Together because the site had become a target for vandals and arsonists.

But Bradford Councillors voted to reject the plan at a meeting yesterday because, they said, it did not contain enough homes or any affordable housing.

The application had already been approved by the Council's Shipley Planning Panel last month.

However it was referred to the Regulatory and Appeals Committee because it conflicted with the Council's own Development Plan as it was an application for a residential development in a green belt area.

Coun Christopher Greaves (Con,Wharfedale) voiced concerns that the development only contained 18 houses per hectare.

And he said Magellan Residential had not "maximised" the site's potential.

The Shipley Planning Panel had originally deferred the application in February, calling for the developer to increase the number of houses to 30-to-50 buildings per hectare and asked for affordable housing to be provided if more than 25 homes were being built.

Coun the Rev Paul Flowers (Labour, Great Horton) criticised Magellan for sticking to its plan for 23 houses.

He said: "I think the number 23 has been arrived at deliberately so they do not have to provide any affordable housing.

"I am voting against this because there is a considerable need for affordable housing in the Shipley area."

Jonathan Dunbavin, representing Magellan, told the meeting the company feared the application would be rejected by the Government if it had more than 23 houses on it.

He said Magellan had chosen the number of houses to reduce the footprint of development on the site, to reduce the impact on the green belt.

After the meeting, a spokesman for Magellan said the firm was "extremely disappointed" at the Council's decision and would consider whether or not to appeal.

The school has been empty for four years and was the scene of a major blaze two years ago.