An unholy row has broken out over plans to develop a derelict chapel in a Bradford village.

Residents living near Wilsden's Methodist Chapel fear a developer's proposals to convert the building into 11 flats will result in the loss of a mini village green.

But the village society is backing the plan because they want the eyesore revamped.

Developer Noel McGurk has submitted an application to Shipley planners to convert the Grade II listed Main Street building - and to buy the small village green next to it for a 16-space car park.

In February more than 100 signatures were collected opposing the plan and the petition was handed in to Bradford Council.

Pensioner Betty Ward, of Crack Lane who lives opposite the green, said she would do all she could to save the "oasis".

"We all realise the building is falling down but the owner has had it for three years and why hasn't something been done sooner?" she said.

"Older residents and mums with children walk through there as there's no pavement on that side of the lane. If it's replaced with a car park the last piece of greenery along Main Street will be gone.

"It looks lovely at the moment as the daffodils and pink blossoms are out."

Mother-of-two Sharon Walker, of Crack Lane, said she feared the scheme would mean extra cars using Crack Lane, which she said was a popular rat run.

Mr McGurk has approached Bradford Council to buy the green on the corner of Main Street and Crack Lane.

"I had a meeting with the village society and they were all pleased with the plan and said the green had become overgrown and was full of dog dirt," he said.

"I also pointed out that cars coming out of the car park won't be driving fast. Residents will also be able to walk through the car park and up some steps to Main Street."

Tony Caunt, who is in charge of planning for Wilsden Village Society, said: "There are a lot of people in the village who are concerned about the Methodist chapel. It is in a terrible state. It has been an eyesore for years and years."

He added while the village association was sympathetic with the protesters, if the developer does not get the land he will not be able to build a car park or do anything about the chapel.

Mr McGurk, who bought the chapel in 2000, specialises in barn conversions and said he planned to replace some of the trees and shrubs.

The plan is set to be considered by planners in June and Mr McGurk said if he was given the go-ahead work would begin as soon as possible.

A Council spokesman said: "A planning application has been made to convert the former Chapel into apartments and, subject to minor changes being made by the architects, it will then be presented to Shipley Planning Panel.

"The developer has been in talks with the Council to buy the adjoining plot of land for use as parking space, but this will be dependent on getting planning permission for the conversion of the chapel."