Campaigners have claimed a victory after plans to build a home at the entrance to a graveyard were withdrawn, following fears the proposed development could disturb graves.

Bradford Council has confirmed the plans for a house at the entrance to an Oakworth graveyard have been shelved.

Landowner Paul Rose had applied to planners to build the home at Chapel Lane, on the same spot where the cemetery entrance’s wall and gates were suddenly demolished in 2008.

Councillor Peter Corkindale, who represents Oakworth on Keighley Town Council, said: “I’m delighted that he’s withdrawn his application.

“The whole village was up in arms about it. But what we still have is the fact that the original entrance to the cemetery – the listed wall and gates – have not been replaced after being demolished. Bradford Council required that these be reinstated, but it still hasn’t been done.”

Opponents of the application argued the proposed access road, off Dockroyd Lane, would have disturbed graves at the site.

One objector said many of those buried in the graveyard had connections to living villagers, saying it would be “a disgrace” to build over or remove bodies.

The proposal was also opposed by Keighley Town Council, which said an access road across the graveyard would be unacceptable.

Former postmaster John Sugden, whose great-grandfather Fred was one of the last to be buried in the graveyard, said: “I would say 100 per cent of people living here were not very happy at all.

“The site is a graveyard where loved ones are buried. It is not suitable for development at all.”

Mr Sugden, of Chapel Lane, added: “We are waiting to see what happens now, but I’m very pleased and relieved it has been withdrawn.”

Mr Rose had said the planned development would only affect the entrance to the cemetery and would not encroach on the graves to the rear.

Mr Rose refused to comment when contacted by the Telegraph & Argus for a comment yesterday.