Outraged residents have spoken of their "utter disgust" after plans were submitted to turn a Shipley wildlife haven into a housing estate.

People living in Wharncliffe Road and Norwood Avenue had initially feared the pond would be turned into a car park after the owner John Jakes, who runs Acorn Mobility, drained Redbeck Mill pond despite their protests.

But now plans have been submitted to Bradford Council to build 16 houses with garages there.

And in a letter to residents, senior planning officer Graham Barrow said: "Although your views will be carefully considered, the application will not necessarily be decided in your favour.

"The council can only look at the planning merits of the scheme. These may include matters such as car parking, traffic, appearance of the development or whether your property will be overlooked or overshadowed."

Resident Sheila Metcalfe said she felt "utter disgust" at the decision to turn the area into houses.

"This pond was absolutely beautiful and was home to rainbow trout, frogs, ducks, kingfishers, owls, bats and even dragonflies. We have lived here all our lives and enjoyed the pond as a community and now what is left?"

Councillor David Ford (Green, Shipley) said residents had been galvanised into action and had submitted a petition opposing the plans.

"There is no way we are going to allow this plan to go ahead. The whole idea is ridiculous and I, for one, will be opposing it strongly.

"Shipley really needs play facilities for children but it seems that every available space is given up for housing."

Another resident, Boyd Riddlesden, said residents were devastated at the proposals.

"Many of the residents moved here because of the pond. You could hear the wildlife and see it and now what's planned but traffic and noise?"

Councillor David Herdson (Con, Shipley West) said the loss of the pond was a tragedy. "It used to be a very pleasant and picturesque area. Despite the fact that this is quite a built up area, the pond was a little oasis of beauty."

Coun Herdson added: "There are concerns about traffic coming in and out of Norwood Avenue as well.

"Basically this site is not suitable for any kind of housing development."

Despite repeated attempts by the Telegraph & Argus, Mr Jakes was unavailable for comment.