Developers have mounted a staunch defence of their controversial plans to build 300 new homes on two green fields in Menston.

Hundreds of residents turned out last month to view an exhibition by Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey about the sites in Derry Hill and Bingley Road.

Government Minister Greg Clark also made a visit to the area to hear about campaigners’ concerns.

The campaigners, led by the Menston Action Group, Menston Parish Council and Menston Community Association, say the infrastructure of the village, including the schools, healthcare and roads, cannot cope with the homes and also have serious concerns about drainage and wildlife.

But a report on behalf of the two developers says the proposals are key in meeting the demand for new homes in the Bradford district and vital to easing household overcrowding problems.

The report claims the 300 houses will “considerably assist” the community and infrastructure with a contribution of more than £650,000 towards education and sports fields.

And it also claims to answer the concerns reported by residents at the exhibition about Barratt Homes’ plans to build about 175 homes at Derry Hill and Taylor Wimpey’s plans for about 125 homes at Bingley Road.

“While the housing target of 2,700 homes per annum contained in the now-revoked Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) may no longer apply, the actual district housing need for market and affordable housing stands at a level considerably higher than the target set in the former RSS,” states the report by Mark Johnson, head of planning at Dacres Commercial.

“These two Menston housing developments will considerably assist in providing much-needed new housing while also contributing locally to community and infrastructure projects.

“Highways and drainage have been reported by residents to be their main areas of concern. Technical reports will accompany the planning applications on these and other matters.”

The report says £420,000 will be paid towards local education need and £250,000 towards sports fields, while 40 per cent or about 120 homes will be classed as “affordable dwellings”.

Developers say they will establish a liaison group of developers and local representatives to talk to villagers during the planning process.

Anyone with any questions is also urged to e-mail mtj@dacres.co.uk.