The Government is considering whether to ‘call in’ controversial decisions to grant permission for 300 homes in a village.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government has confirmed it has requested papers and documents from Bradford Council on the decisions to allow Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes to build the homes in Menston.

The news could give fresh hope to campaigners who have vowed to fight on in their battle to stop the developments on Bingley Road and Derry Hill.

In February, members of the Council’s Shipley Area Planning panel told a packed community centre in Menston they had to grant permission for the two projects with a “heavy heart”.

But members of the Menston Action Group (Mag), Menston Community Association (MCA) and the parish council have written to Eric Pickles MP, the former leader of Bradford Council and current Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to complain about the lengthy planning process and the final decision.

“The department has requested the relevant papers and documents about the proposals from Bradford Council,” the spokesman for the ministry said.

“When we’ve received that information, we’ll then consider the case and whether it is being called in.”

Meanwhile, campaigners have revealed they will fight on against the developers and the Council’s decision after taking time to reflect on the decision to grant permission for the homes.

Graham Booth, from Mag, said: “After the shell shock experienced by our entire community seven weeks ago at the planning panel meeting held in Menston, we have all needed time to actually come to terms with what we ‘think’ took place,” he said.

“A meeting has taken place between the parish council, MCA and Mag and we are still united in our contempt of how we have been ‘communally abused’.

“One thing we know for certain, is that in order to have a fighting chance we need the best representation that we can afford. We are going to start raising funds; more than just a few bob. If we don’t dig in, and fight now, ‘they’ will only come back at us for the next 600 houses proposed.”