Campaigners have been dealt a blow in their battle against 300 homes in their village after the Government decided not to call in decisions to grant permission.

However, a member of the Menston Action Group (MAG) said although campaigners were “disappointed” by the decision, they were not surprised and were working on plans to force a judicial review into decisions to allow Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes to build in Bingley Road and Derry Hill respectively.

The Department for Communities and Local Government had requested papers from Bradford Council, which had granted permission for up to 135 homes in Bingley Road and 174 houses on Derry Hill.

But a letter to the council, on behalf of Eric Pickles MP, the former leader of Bradford Council and current Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said the decisions to grant planning permission, made in February, would stand.

Graham Booth, from MAG, said his group and others in the village, including the parish council and Menston Community Association, had expected the worst from Mr Pickles.

He said villagers, who are attempting to raise £100,000 for a fighting fund against the homes, still have three other plans, including a judicial review, a civil case and a Village Green status application.

“We’ve still got three strands left – it’s on with the show,” he said.

“We’re disappointed it’s not been called in, but not surprised. We’re really looking forward to examining the evidence at a judicial review.

“It hasn’t slowed us down and we’re still marching forward.”

Mr Booth said £25,000 has so far been raised towards the fighting fund, including donations from as far afield as Hampshire.