A PLANNING committee has approved plans to build eight homes on the former site of a methodist church.

An application for housing on land off Swine Lane in Sandbeds went before members of Bradford Council’s Regulatory and Appeals Committee at a meeting on Thursday morning.

The plans, by Mr and Mrs Gibson, had attracted nine letters of support and 11 objections, with objectors raising concerns over parking around the homes, overdevelopment of the site and fears of a reduction in the value of neighbouring houses.

The former church site has been empty and overgrown for years.

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Agent for the applicants Ian Hayfield said: “This is a site that has been identified as a future housing site.

“I’m of the firm belief that regeneration should take place on Brownfield sites.

“Throughout the plans my client has at all times engaged with the Council.”

None of the objectors had applied to speak at the meeting.

Members then unanimously voted to approve the plans.

A condition of the application is that a bus stop near the site will be moved to a new location.