Plans by the Wool Marketing Board to demolish its premises in Clayton to make way for a housing development have run into a row with Bradford Council.

The board and Redrow Homes want to build more than 70 houses priced from £36,000 upwards on the land at Oak Mills, Station Road.

But their joint planning application was deferred by the Council's planning committee after officers recommended its refusal and ward councillors hit out at the plan.

But Robert Allan, of Eddison Commercial, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said the company would move out of the old premises which house its national headquarters whatever the decision - because the buildings were unsuitable.

He said the board had found listed premises in Bradford where they could relocate the 70 workers.

But Mr Allan said the move - which would keep the company in Bradford - would depend on the release of the land they owned for housing.

The committee deferred a decision after visiting the site in order for further talks to take place between officers and the applicant.

Officers told the committee the land was an important employment site in the district.

They said a housing development would bring an estimated 36 children.

But the applicants had only offered £50,000 towards the cost of education when the amount was estimated at more than £150,000.

They said there had been an offer of up to £8,000 for extra play facilities in Victoria Park - but recreation officers believed it would cost £35,000.

The officers said they were also concerned about the road system planned for the estate.

But ward councillor Gordon Mitchell said: "I don't believe the site should be used for housing. It means the loss of a substantial site."

Mr Allen had told councillors the site had been on the market for six months for industry but there had been no interest.

He pointed out to members that there had been little objection from local people.

He said they had already amended the scheme after negotiations with officers.

Mr Allen said he believed the cash offers were fair. "They are all the scheme can stand."

The committee approved an application for a two storey house on land next to 116 Bradford Road, Idle, after a site visit.

Two letters of objection to the development had been received complaining of loss of amenity and overlooking.

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