PLANS to build 116 houses on a Bierley field have been approved, despite a huge number of objections from people living in the area.

An application to build on Lockwood Farm on Spen View Lane had attracted over 140 objections, but at a meeting of Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee yesterday, members voted to approve the scheme.

Although committee members raised concerns about the proposed development's impact on local schools, roads, and even worries about possible mine shafts on the site, they said there was no planning reason to refuse the scheme, and if they did the applicant would likely win any appeal.

The application has been submitted by John and Norma Brooksbank/ Driver Blackshaw Holdings and Mrs N. Driver, and at the meeting Councillors suggested that the applicants would have to find a house developer before any work starts.

Councillor Simon Cooke (Cons, Bingley Rural) said any developer may return with a planning application to alter the plans, saying: "I will make a prediction, this will be back before this committee, because when a developer is chosen they will undoubtedly look to amend these plans."

Objector Wylie Connor spoke at the meeting. He referred to a section of the report that said that according to the Human Rights Act, the Council had to ensure it took into accounts the views of people who may be affected by the plans. He added: "You have broken the Human Rights Act. Very few, if any views of the objectors have had an impact on these plans. They are being disregarded."

He pointed out pressures on nearby schools and roads.

Planning officer Malcolm Joy pointed out that the objections had been referred to over several pages of the Council's report into the plans.

The land has already been designated as a safeguarded site - to be used for housing. Cllr Cooke added: "This will have an impact on the local community - that is what happens when you build houses. But this is a safeguarded site, so it is for houses, we can't re-visit that decision."

A series of highways improvements would be a conditions of the plans, including road widening schemes on Spen View Lane and Shetcliffe Lane, and speed cushions, road humps, new road signs and a pedestrian island on Shetcliffe Lane. The committee were told that without these highways improvements, the plans would not be approved.

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said: "It is a shame the applicant and their agent haven't turned up today.

"I know people don't like houses being built, but I feel that if we refuse this, the applicant would win any appeal."

Chair Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke), said he had once lived near the site, and although he had some concerns about the development, he added: "I can't see anything in this application that says we can't approve this."

The application was then approved.