Residents of a housing estate have welcomed plans for three major developments.

They say housing has been needed in Thorpe Edge ever since a blighted estate there was demolished three years ago.

Proposals to Bradford Council could see construction start on more than 200 homes by the end of the year.

Gareth Logan, chairman of the Thorpe Edge Community Forum, said most people in the area were looking forward to work starting because the wasteland where the housing stood is used as a race track by nuisance bikers.

He said the motorbikes had caused misery, adding: "I welcome the development because it brings in affordable housing and investment and will also bring new people in and give the estate a boost.

"The demolition of the old flats has created some beautiful views but I cannot see that building houses on these three sites is going to make much difference."

Two companies have submitted plans for 220 homes in and around Thorpe Edge. If Bradford Council approves, work could be under way by December.

Manchester-based Lowry Homes is behind 154 houses on two sites - half at Crag View and half at Saville Avenue.

Mark Oliver Homes, which specialises in affordable housing, is hoping to build 66 semi-detached, mostly three-bedroom, properties on the Idlethorpe Way site.

The London-based company has been developing sites in Yorkshire for 15 years and has 400 houses planned in Bradford - some subject to planning permission.

It recently developed 130 houses on the Bierley estate which sold for less than £50,000 each. Phase II of the project - another 135 properties - is under way.

Director Iain Shiner said the area was an attractive prospect for developers wanting to cash in on a Bradford boom.

He said: "We are extremely keen on any site in Bradford because it is an expanding city and has been undervalued. It is near to the likes of Leeds, Manchester and Huddersfield and so is in great commuter distance."

Mr Logan hopes the plans are approved quickly: "There have been delays because of differences between the developer and the planning department and the residents have suffered because of antisocial behaviour.

"It is nice to see things are starting to happen instead of all the uncertainty."

The plans are expected to be considered at a planning meeting later this year.

l A public meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour is set for 7pm on September 2 at Thorpe Edge Community Centre.