Councillors have backed a canalside housing scheme in Bingley and dismissed calls for the decision to be put on hold while a Government inspector decides whether to allow up to 440 homes on a controversial site a few yards away.

They gave the go-ahead for Chartford Homes to build 27 homes on a “significant open green area” near Airedale House, Micklethwaite Lane, at a meeting of the Shipley Area Planning Panel yesterday.

Residents urged the panel to suspend a decision until planning inspector Richard Clegg has decided if between 420 and 440 homes can be built on a site in Sty Lane on the opposite side of Micklethwaite Lane.

His report, which will include a ruling about any new swing bridge over the road, is due in May.

Speaking for the residents, Councillor David Heseltine (Con, Bingley) said: “I feel that making a decision and pre-judging what the inspector might say regarding what can be built in the conservation area and also on road traffic issues, may not be the way to go.

“We all know that residential roads have a limit. If you develop on this (Airedale House) site what will happen at Micklethwaite bridge? What will happen in the village? Can the local road infrastructure cope?

“I would at least request members defer this decision until the inspector completes his report.”

Terry Brown, chairman of Greenhill Action Group, which is fighting large-scale housing development in the area, described the smaller scheme as “creeping urbanisation” of Micklethwaite village.

“We know that to build 420 houses, we would need a new bridge. We know the chaos that was caused when the bridge broke down when the inspector went to see it as part of a public inquiry site visit.”

Councillor Keith Dredge (Lab, Keighley West) said: “I would want some assurances that should Micklethwaite Lane change, it would be fully accommodated in any development on that site.

“If this is not done properly, it will be a mess.”

Richard Gelder, senior transportation manager for the Council said surveys had shown the road infrastructure to be adequate.

Alistair Flatman, agent for the developers, said: “We have always considered that the (Airedale House) site stands alone to be assessed on its own merits and 27 dwellings and the access arrangements are considered acceptable.”