RESIDENTS of a village in the district aim to make history after getting the go-ahead to challenge Bradford Council's approval of 179-home development at a full judicial review.

Menston Action Group (MAG) went to the High Court in Leeds last month in a bid to instigate a judicial review against Bradford Council, over a drainage condition of the planned Derry Hill housing.

The group commissioned an independent study on flooding in the village and likely impact of the new housing development.

Following the hearing, a high court judge has now given MAG permission to proceed with their claim.

It is believed to be the first time a judicial review of a drainage condition has proceeded to a full and final determination in the High Court.

The announcement came within days of MAG declaring another victory, as Bradford councillors rejected a full planning application for more than 130 houses on Bingley Road - despite outline plans being approved earlier.

A third planning application being opposed by MAG, for 12 homes in the village, has yet to be determined.

MAG spokesman, Steve Ellams, said he was "delighted" with the announcement.

Dr Ellams said: "We're two nil and one to go. Within a week we've got two results."

MAG has yet to be notified when the judicial review proceedings will take place.

Alistair Kennedy, of law firm Schofield Sweeney, said: "This is an extremely important issue for MAG and the residents of Menston who are desperately worried that the proposed development at Derry Hill will make existing flooding in Menston much worse, and have an impact on residents' properties and the village generally.

"Bradford Council and Barratt Homes are both working hard to prop up the Council's decision and defeat MAG's claim. Clearly for Barratt Homes, being allowed to proceed with this development will generate significant financial reward.

"Schofield Sweeney have worked with MAG for many years, on the large part on a pro bono basis. We remain committed to stand alongside MAG and ensure that the interests of Menston residents are protected."

Menston residents held a referendum opposing the developments at Derry Hill and Bingley Road several years ago, with 98 per cent voting against the proposed developments, while 2,000 letters of objection were submitted.

MAG has long argued that both sites suffer from problems with water emerging from the ground and that the proposed developments would increase flooding in the area. An independent expert on flooding, Dr Duncan Reed, has supported these claims.

More than £100,000 has been raised by residents for the legal battle, which included hiring David Wolfe QC for last month's hearing.