Campaigners fighting to save a greenfield site near Bingley from development have warned a nearby village would be choked with traffic if plans are approved.

The Greenhill Action Group wants to stop developers Redrow and Bellway building more than 400 homes in Sty Lane, Micklethwaite.

The site overlooks the Leeds/ Liverpool canal and can only be accessed by a steep and narrow village road.

A swing bridge at the bottom of the lane opens regularly for canal boats, causing queues of traffic on either side.

Campaigner and Micklethwaite resident Richard Butler said the development would be disastrous for village residents.

“The roads at some points are only 4 metres wide which is only wide enough for one car,” he said. “The developers are proposing the traffic from the new estate would go along Micklethwaite Lane. It doesn’t make any sense “Queues of traffic already build up when the swing bridge is open and it will be far worse if this development goes ahead.”

Shipley MP Philip Davies travelled the route traffic from the estate would take with campaigners. He said: “Building on this site would be an act of vandalism.

I think it is wrong on every level. Anyone who sees this site will wonder why on earth it was ever proposed to destroy a beautiful part of the countryside.

“It is a completely inappropriate location for any development and it is clear the travel plans are completely inadequate.”

Mick Mears, vice chairman of the campaign group, urged objectors to respond to the planning application before the deadline of June 15 He said: “We want people to send in their objections to the Council. It is very important that we get as many quality objections as possible. The bottom line is anyone who wants to preserve this area for future generations needs to act now.”

For more information or to lodge an objection visit www.greenhillactiongroup.co.uk.