A PUBLIC inquiry into Bradford Council's long term plans for the development of the district is due to conclude by the end of August.

But acting upon the recommendations of the inspectors' report could take at least another year.

The eight-month inquiry has looked into objections to the council's unitary development plan (UDP) which includes Silsden, Steeton, Eastburn and Addingham.

Group planning manager Dave Preece said: "We are expecting the inspectors' final report early in the new year.

"We are expecting it to throw up a whole series of suggested modifications based on objections. There will not be a report on the inspectors' report to members until after the elections, in early summer.

"That could generate objections to the modifications and we would have to go through the process again.

"It could be adopted toward the end of next year."

Mr Preece attended last Thursday's Silsden Town Council meeting to show members preliminary designs of the proposed road, which had attracted objection from the members.

He stressed that this was simply a draft drawing which had been brought up during the inquiry, and was an indication, rather than a definite plan, of what the road may look like.

And he promised that he would consult the town council and members of the public before the road reached the planning application stage.

"Countryside Properties would have to undertake a public consultation exercise well before any planning permission was put in. We would have to be satisfied and you would have to be satisfied that this was the case. The company has said it would be willing to take on board local views and modify their plans accordingly," Mr Preece said.