A councillor believes people demanding a ban on new take-away shops and new homes in Baildon are "crying at the moon".

Councillor John Cole said calls to block such developments were unrealistic in a vibrant village centre - even one designated a Conservation Area.

Councillor Cole (Lib Dem, Baildon) was speaking yesterday as planning chiefs backed a report updating Baildon's Conservation Area status.

The report into maintaining Baildon's old pubs, churches and unique features included comments made by residents at consultation workshops.

Remarks included the call for no further building, no more houses or takeaways.

"It's too much to say there will be no more of a certain type of shop," said Councillor Cole, a member of Shipley Area Planning Panel which met yesterday to consider the updated status.

He added: "Baildon is a living, changing place, but within a conservation area shops must be in keeping with their surroundings.

"When the planning panel sits round the table and sees an application that is not quite right, the conservation area designation certainly strengthens our hand with reasons for refusal."

Steve Bateman, Bradford Council's design and heritage manager, said all villages and towns had to experience an element of change.

"We cannot say 'you cannot build in a conservation area'. What it does mean is that hot food shops have to be appropriate with regard to their surroundings.

"You wouldn't get an internally-illuminated box sign in a conservation area.

"Even people such as MacDonald's who have corporate identities and say they cannot change them to fit with an area do actually adapt.

"There are all sorts of ways of accommodating such businesses without comprising the local identity."

Stuart Main, secretary of Baildon Local History Society, said Baildon centre being a conservation area aided the preservation of valued older buildings.

"The Towngate Rooms on East Parade is a handsome building, which is not listed, which has become unused of late. It is owned by Bradford Council and we are wondering what will happen to it.

"But conservation status gives that greater power to any school of thought which says it should not be pulled down.

"Saltaire is a good example of a conservation area, and shows what a boost it can be."