Proposals to build more than 250 homes in Cullingworth to meet future housing needs have been cautiously welcomed by district and parish councillors.

Bradford Council has identified five sites in the village as suitable for development in the first stage of producing its Local Development Framework.

Previously developed and mixed use land has been earmarked for the bulk of the homes, with a further 49 proposed for a stretch of green belt land adjacent to the village boundary.

Cullingworth Parish Councillor Andrew Vaux said: “We acknowledge the need for increased housing development and welcome the fact that these sites are ones which have previously been identified as suitable for housing rather than trying to release new land from green belt.

“Our main concern, however, is the impact that the development of this land would have on traffic in the village.

“Moving forward we will be working with all relevant agencies to develop a comprehensive traffic management plan to ensure the village doesn’t become traffic choked.”

Bradford Council believes it has to find room for 45,500 new homes throughout the district by 2028. Areas available for possible housing schemes have been identified in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment and the proposals are under consultation.

The document will form part of Bradford’s Local Development Framework – a key document which will shape the future of house building in the district.