Village communities could be changed beyond recognition if Bradford Council allows building on all the vacant land in the Worth Valley, a councillor has claimed.

Tory Councillor Kris Hopkins (Worth Valley) is urging local people to object to the 20 sites identified on the vacant land survey.

The 'brown-field' locations have been earmarked among 74 in the Keighley area where potential development could take place for business, community buildings, housing or as public open space.

In Keighley, the Worth Valley and Keighley North - which takes in Riddlesden, East Morton and Long Lee - have the most with 20 each.

Officers have identified 14 in Keighley west - the Utley, Beechcliffe and Braithwaite area - 13 in Craven, which covers Silsden and Steeton, and seven in Keighley south - Bracken Bank and Woodhouse.

Coun Hopkins said: "The Worth Valley already has 29 areas allocated for massive building expansion under the Unitary Development Plan. The new Vacant Land Survey identifies a further 20.

"Villages and communities will be changed out of all recognition. Many people do not realise what is being planned,'' he said.

"I want everyone to make the effort to visit Keighley Town Hall and object to the VLS sites. We have made more than a generous contribution to the housing needs of Bradford. It is too late to complain after the bulldozers have gone in."

But Councillor John Cope (Lab Worth Valley), said: "The sites are not just for housing. They are possible spaces for developing employment, to be used as green spaces and many other purposes."

He said he had ensured that a copy of the map had been sent to Oakworth Village Society and he understood Oxenhope Parish Council had already responded.

He added the public had complained in the past that planning decisions had been imposed on them but this was a way of consulting people and giving them a chance to have their say.

A map showing the locations in the Keighley area can be seen at the information centre in the town hall and a questionnaire published which the public can complete.

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