A decision on whether to allow housing on Green Belt land between Cross Roads and Oakworth has been postponed by councillors.

Members of Bradford's transportation, planning and design committee will decide on the planning application next month after visiting the land.

They are likely to refuse the proposal to build up to 25 houses on the one-hectare site in the valley bottom near Vale Mills.

The mill's owner wants to sell the land for housing so he can afford to restore the 19th century mill building. The site is currently used as a car and lorry park.

Planning officers believe housing would have a "significantly ad-verse" effect on the open character of the green belt, and say surrounding roads would not cope with the extra traffic that would be generated.

Nearby residents say that access is inadequate and fear development would lead to the loss of wildlife and mature trees.

Meanwhile, a Cowling stone barn is to be converted into a house.

The barn, on Stone Head Lane, is to be designed in a style to reflect its original character. Windows are to be kept to a minimum and added structures demolished.

Farm buildings, situated close to the barn, are to be used for equestrian and business use rather than remaining as a silage clamp and milking parlour.

This application was approved by members of Craven council's planning committee.

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