CAMPAIGNERS are fighting plans to build homes on the site of a former Keighley school.

A group of about 30 residents living close to the old Bronte Middle plot at Bogthorn have formally objected to the scheme.

Bradford Council has submitted proposals for 51 houses on the site off Keighley Road.

They would be a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes, for rent and sale.

But opponents say the plot, which has been disused since middle schools were abolished 16 years ago, is unsuitable for a large housing scheme.

Fears have been voiced about potential drainage issues, increased traffic levels and the extra pressure the scheme would impose on school places and other infrastructure.

One resident Jonathan Bond said: "This planning application is not one that would work on any level.

"This does not seem to be about local needs, but Bradford Council making housing targets given to them at any cost – regardless of current residents' needs."

Another, Stephanie Brandolino, of Goose Cote Lane, said: "We have recently moved to Oakworth and cannot get our daughter into the already over-subscribed schools.

"New housing would increase the problem."

And Joanne Meehan, who lives in Heritage Way, said the site was well known as being bog land.

She added: "If the land is fit to be built on – which I don't believe it is – perhaps the council might like to think about rebuilding a school, as the two nearest ones are over-subscribed. Also, traffic is already a problem in Oakworth."

Councillor Adrian Farley (Lab, Keighley West) said he was not against the principle of housing on the site, but that several issues – particularly drainage – would need to be resolved.

"This land has been an eyesore for some time and there have been concerns raised with me about fly-tipping, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour," he said.

"Housing would certainly help tidy the site.

"There seems to be a mixed reaction to the planning application, with some in favour and some against.

"My biggest concern is the drainage situation. I've been working with residents in Goose Cote Lane who have been suffering flooding problems which seemed to start around the time the old school building was demolished – it might be coincidence, but there are fears the underground drains may have been damaged.

"A full survey must be carried out."

The ward's UKIP councillor, Brian Morris, believes the scheme will be given the green light irrespective of any opposition.

"It will go through as the housing for Occupation Lane was eventually approved despite objections," he said.

"We will get another building site with all the associated traffic problems. The traffic situation there is already horrendous and it will only get worse.

A Bradford Council spokesman said all representations regarding the former school site would be fully considered before a decision was reached.