Scores of protest letters and a petition of around 800 names were being presented at City Hall today in a bid to 'embarrass' planners.

Residents of Bierley are demanding that permission for a low-secure psychiatric unit near their homes be revoked, even though the development is under way.

Andy Lord, one of the residents, said: "The only weapon to us, as citizens, is to cause maximum embarrassment for the Council to force them to put right the wrong that has been done to Bierley and the wider community."

They have accused Bradford Council of failing to inform and consult residents, and of approving the plan without knowing what the building would be used for.

However Bradford Council, which has received 80 protest letters, has defended its actions in approving the private hospital on Bierley Lane.

Bradford Council's director of transportation, design and planning, Alan Mainwaring, said all applications were advertised, the plans were available for viewing and that councillors were informed - but no objections were received.

He said: "We regret that local residents feel they have not been properly consulted in this case.

"However, all the planning applications on this site have been dealt with in accordance with standard procedures and practice."

Mr Mainwaring added: "It is not possible for the Council to know what the future use for every site will be. Developers apply for planning permission covering various uses within the same 'class'."

Residents have also complained the authority 'ignored' its own earlier planning conditions for the site, which were apparently designed to prevent it being used for the treatment of mental illness.

But Mr Mainwaring denied this. Andy Lord said his fight would continue saying they may petition the Government.