Eastburn people are to have their say on plans to build 150 new homes on land next to Airedale General Hospital.

Bradford Council starts a six week consultation process on September 7, which will involve local people in discussions about draft guidelines for the creation of a significant development in the village. The guidelines have already been approved by the local arm of the council, which sets out how the authority expects the site to be developed.

A rowdy public meeting earlier this year heard residents voice their fears about the speed of traffic along Main Road, which they claim would get worse if the development were allowed to go ahead.

Narrow Green Lane would also have to be closed off at one point so traffic from the new development would not use it as a short cut.

The draft guidelines look in detail at a wide range of issues, including road safety and access, possible housing type and design, provision of affordable housing and landscaping, and play areas for children.

Other important issues, such as cycle and pedestrian routes with links to the nearby railway station, and the provision of education for the new population, will also be open to debate by local people.

"The council is committed to involving people in shaping development in their communities and this consultation period is part of that process," said a council spokesman. "I hope as many people as possible will take the time to look at the proposals and comment on them, so their views can be taken into consideration."

Planning officers will be on hand to discuss the proposals at an exhibition at Eastburn Junior and Infants School on September 9 from 3.30pm to 8.30pm.

The draft guidelines will also be open to inspection at libraries in Silsden and Keighley and free copies will be available from the planning offices at Jacobs Well, Bradford, and Keighley Town Hall.

Anyone wishing to comment on the guidelines should write to Alan Mainwaring, Bradford Council's head of transportation and planning, Jacobs Well, Bradford, BD1 5RW, before October 19.

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