DELIGHTED protesters and councillors are celebrating victory after controversial plans to build 124 new homes on greenfield land in Keighley were rejected by Bradford Council planning chiefs.

A Persimmon Homes application for the 4.7 hectare site south of Occupation Lane was unanimously thrown out by members of Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee yesterday.

Angry protesters blasted the plans, fearing traffic problems on surrounding roads to the development due to the expected increase in cars, forecast at 250.

Residents also feared Occupation Lane itself, a public bridleway, would be used as a "rat run" by motorists looking for alternative access to and from the site when nearby Wheathead Lane/Keighley Road are congested.

Inadequacy of existing drainage systems at the site, which would have seen houses built on a steep slope, and future flooding worries were also given as objections by residents.

And there were fears that schools near the development were oversubscribed already.

The scheme received 178 objections from residents and councillors.

The proposed access to the site would have been via a new junction formed opposite Camborne Way, crossing Occupation Lane.

The application was refused by the committee due to two main concerns.

The first was unjustified access to the junction of Wheathead Lane and Oakworth Road and no proposals for any mitigating measures of controlling the traffic caused, such as traffic lights.

The second concern from members was over the application encouraging unlawful vehicle use of Occupation Lane, without the planning of effective enough deterrents to drivers.

The application was slightly amended before yesterday's meeting from 126 to 124 homes, 19 of which were affordable housing.

Speaking after the meeting, David Ellis, of Occupation Lane, who objected to the plans, said he was pleased the application was rejected.

He said: "I am very pleased with the decision.

"We have done what we can in terms of the planning process."

Cllr Jan Smithies (Lab, Keighley West) said: "This is a good victory for the residents.

"I have been working with residents for the last eight months on this. There was a depth of concern on it.

"I know there is a need for housing in Keighley, but the developments have got to have access that is viable for everyone."

Speaking at the meeting, committee members conceded more housing was needed in Keighley but opted to object to this development, mainly on the traffic concerns.

Councillor Doreen Lee (Lab, Keighley East), committee member, said: "We need the houses absolutely desperately in Keighley, but I am not happy with the fact they are using Wheathead Lane here without any traffic lights.

"The traffic is absolutely diabolical around there. Occupation Lane will be used as a rat run.

"It's one of the worst areas in the town around there."

Wayne Gradwell, managing director at Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, said: "It is disappointing that despite the officers' recommendation to approve, the planning committee have rejected our proposals and refused the application.

“This is extremely frustrating having worked with the council over many months to achieve a residential layout that would have provided a mix of house types much needed in the area.

“As is always the case, we will now consider the council's reason for refusal and this will include exploring all options, together with the possibility of a planning appeal.”

MORE SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES CAMPAIGN HEADLINES