Councillors have granted outline planning permission for a controversial housing development in Bradford – despite angry scenes caused by protesters.

More than a dozen Heaton residents arrived at City Hall yesterday, some carrying posters declaring their opposition to an application for 27 detached houses at the back of Ashwell Farm in Ashwell Road.

Bradford Council’s Area Planning Panel was required to decide whether to accept a recommendation from officers to approve access into the site but 40 minutes into yesterday’s discussion, the panel’s chairman Councillor David Robinson (Lab, Wyke) called a ten-minute adjournment.

He halted proceedings when Heaton resident John Milnes, who was invited to speak in opposition to the plans for three minutes, spoke over Coun Robinson as he reminded Mr Milnes that access to the site was the sole focus of the debate.

Mr Milnes was one of five residents given time to make representations after Coun Robinson allowed objectors more time to speak than they are usually allowed, but most of their concerns addressed wider issues.

Mr Milnes said: “This is a very special place called Heaton village, built by our Edwardian and Victorian ancestors and when they had finished their work it was done, complete. It’s perfect as it is.

“It’s a place where people of different races and classes come together and they get on.”

He turned on the applicant, A Choudhury, who was apparently absent, claiming he knew nothing about the area. But Mr Milnes was interrupted by the panel when he announced he wanted to share some “facts” about the developer.

Tempers flared and as Coun Robinson tried to bring order, Mr Milnes shouted: “There is a great deal of passion in this village. It needs considering properly.”

The meeting was adjourned at 11.52am and reconvened at 12.04pm, only for a further adjournment after councillors decided they wanted to visit the site.

Before proceedings deteriorated, objectors spoke of concerns that the roads would be over-run by traffic, that safety would be endangered and the character of the village would be destroyed. Heaton Woods Trust claimed part of the site was owned by the Trust, but these claims were rejected and ruled “immaterial” to the application by planning officers.

After visiting the site, members approved the application. Details of the development will be discussed later.

l The committee approved an outline application for an extension to Bradford Academy in Teasdale Street, East Bowling, to provide facilities for an additional 420 students. The application will be referred to the Regulatory and Appeals Committee.

l Outline permission was granted for an extension at Horton Park Primary School to provide rooms including six classrooms. It will be referred to the Regulatory and Appeals Committee.