Plans for up to 102 houses and a 90-bed nursing home have been refused, despite being recommended for approval by officers.

Planning committee members rejected the application for the former site of Holme Mills, Holme Mill Lane, Keighley.

The application had prompted action from BANDAG – the Braithwaite and North Dean Action Group – who urged members of Bradford Council’s planning committee to reject the application.

The site was situated partly on a greenfield site and a wildlife corridor.

The nursing home would have been built on a brownfield site.

The plans also included the removal and re-siting of Fell Lane Scout hut.

Keighley ward councillor Kath Bacon (Lab) spoke at the planning meeting. She said afterwards: “I spoke about the lack of affordable housing and the fact that this would be built in a zero Community Infrastructure Levy area so wouldn’t be offset by any contribution towards schools or transport or other services.

“The panel considered all this and came back with a unanimous decision to overturn the application, so we’re thrilled.”

Planning officers said the applicant was willing to comply with a Section 106 agreement to pay a financial contribution of £25,000 towards measures to mitigate against potential impacts on habitats from increased recreational pressures on the site.

The committee voted against the plans stating reasons for refusal as loss of a valuable asset to the community; no offer of affordable housing; a loss of wildlife and protected trees; there would be an adverse impact on Bradford wildlife in the area; and the access and egress areas would impact on highway safety.