AN overwhelming number of objections against plans to build stables on a Silsden beauty spot have been instrumental in seeing the scheme refused by Bradford Council.

Upwards of 100 letters were sent to Silsden Parish Council and Bradford's planning department when an application was submitted to erect stables and a septic tank on land at Howden Park Farm, Low Lane, Silsden.

The area is known locally as Seven Hills.

Locals claimed the land should be left undisturbed, and said it had been used by generations of Silsden residents who regularly walked the rights of way in the area and enjoyed picnics there in the summer.

At a meeting of Bradford Council's planning committee last Thursday, members backed a planning officer's recommendation that the scheme be refused. The officers pointed out that the site lay within an area of approved Green Belt and that any new development within the area would be severely restricted.

They also pointed out that the proposal was not related to any existing settlement and would be detrimental to the open and rural character of the surrounding countryside.

The committee was also concerned that the application provided insufficient information about the actual use of the stables, access and car parking arrangements, sewerage, landscaping and the effect on nearby trees.

The Herald reported how local people were battling to save the beauty spot from development back in July.

Local resident Chris Dodd said at the time the existing road to the site was too narrow to accommodate the traffic which would be generated from such a venture.

"At the end of the day we are just trying to protect this tranquil setting for the future and we're not going to let this happen without a fight," said Mr Dodd.

But there has been another twist to the tale, after locals were notified of an advert which appeared in a free paper. The advert apparently put forward the same piece of land for sale, complete with planning permission for a detached house with stables.

Liz Clarke, vice-chairman of Silsden Parish Council, was furious to learn of the advert.

She has already feared a plot was being hatched to further develop the site once planning permission was gained, when a septic tank was included in the original plans.

"You don't need a septic tank for horse stables," she said.

Joanne Conway, clerk to the parish council, added: "Someone needs to get in touch with trading standards on this matter.

"It's illegal to advertise something which is false and the advert clearly stated the site had planning approval even before the plans had been considered."

It is not known whether further plans for the site are to be submitted to Bradford Council's planning officers.

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