People will now be able to attend a public meeting in Bradford over a plan which could mean 30,000 homes being built in the district.

The Yorkshire and Humber Assembly has been forced to rethink its controversial decision not to include Bradford in a programme of public consultation events on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy, its land-use blueprint.

The assembly has now agreed to hold an additional public meeting in the city.

The original decision not to hold a meeting in Bradford provoked widespread anger, highlighted in the Telegraph & Argus. Politicians described the snub as "outrageous".

Assembly spokesman Iain Lovell said: "When the story appeared we had a rethink. We hope a lot of people will come."

He said the assembly wanted to gather as many views as possible on the draft Spatial Strategy before it is sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for consideration.

The assembly initially said the budget and time framework for the consultation process meant only one meeting could be held in each Yorkshire sub-region, with Leeds being the designated venue for West Yorkshire.

But the extra meeting will take place in Bradford city centre next month. The venue and date are yet to be revealed but Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton has been asked to chair the meeting.

She said: "I'm glad they have had a second thought after we did a lot of lobbying."

The change of heart has been welcomed by Shipley MP Philip Davies. He said: "I'm glad they have listened to people's concerns. I hope local people go along and let them know what they think about being told that we need another 30,000 houses in the area."

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney said: "I hope people respond. If you don't make your view known, you have no right to complain afterwards."

The figure of 30,000 houses is based on the district's population but is more than twice the number Bradford Council calculates is necessary.