Campaigners fighting controversial applications for almost 300 homes in Menston have lodged an official complaint with Bradford Council over its planning process.

Menston Action Group has written to the authority’s chief executive Tony Reeves to raise concerns over a “lack of transparency” in planning procedures relating to the applications by Barratt Homes for 174 homes at Derry Hill and Taylor Wimpey for 125 homes at Bingley Road. The letter, written by Philip Moore, president of the action group, claims planning officers have consulted significantly with developers but refused to consult with objectors.

The group also highlights a blunder by the Council at a review of its Replacement Unitary Development Plan (RUDP) three years ago, which has recently cast doubt over whether the two sites, removed from the green belt in 2005, are still allocated for housing.

At a meeting on Monday, the Council’s executive committee accepted recommendations to reaffirm it was the authority’s intention unimplemented housing sites should be protected to meet the district’s housing needs.

Mr Moore has received a response from Mr Reeves stating the ‘exceptional’ reason for the sites being removed from the green belt was to meet the housing needs of the district.

The letter said: “Having regard to all of the factors outlined above, the officers have concluded that the need for the previously allocated sites in Menston remains.”

A spokesman for Bradford Council was unavailable for comment.