ANGRY campaigners have issued a battle cry to developers: we’ll fight to keep our greenbelt.

The heated message was delivered this week as opposition grew to another plan for homes on a Keighley field.

A staggering 300-or-so objections have so far been lodged against the latest scheme, earmarked for a site in Goose Cote Lane.

GCL Developments is seeking to build up to 100 houses there.

Councillors from across the political divide have joined with MP John Grogan and members of the public in opposing the scheme.

“My view is that greenbelt is sacrosanct and shouldn’t be developed on,” said Keighley West Labour councillor, Adrian Farley.

“We are custodians of greenbelt for future generations to enjoy.

“There are brownfield sites in my ward and across Keighley that would support housing.

“We have a number of former school sites, for example, crying out for development. These are derelict plots and attract fly-tipping – they should be utilised for housing.

“Sadly developers see more money in building homes on green fields, and that’s what guides them. It is a disappointing situation.

“Residents welcome sensible development but what they don’t value is developers wanting to make a quick buck.

“The Government needs to take a long, hard look at development around greenbelt.”

He said other concerns regarding the Goose Cote Lane proposals included the extra strain they would place on infrastructure and the impact on traffic levels, plus drainage issues.

“We’re seeing more and more pressure being put on schools and GP surgeries in the area,” added Cllr Farley.

“Also, when you consider many households nowadays have two cars there would be a significant increase in traffic – not only in the immediate vicinity of the development but also in Oakworth Road, which is the main route into Keighley from there and is already busy.”

Conservative councillor Rebecca Poulsen, in neighbouring Worth Valley ward, is also against the plans.

The site itself is in the Worth Valley ward, but the access would be across the boundary in Keighley West where much of the impact would be felt.

Cllr Poulsen said a similar application last year was turned down.

“The scheme was rejected then because it was inappropriate in the greenbelt and that hasn’t changed – there are plenty of brownfield sites for development,” she said.

“There are the same issues as last time, and more objections.

“The only difference with the plan appears to be that last year there was a corner of the site where they were going to put caravan-type homes for the elderly, but that element has gone."

Mr Grogan says the objections being raised now are “just as valid” as they were last year.

“I have made a submission opposing development on the site,” he added.

Campaign group BANDAG also voices its opposition.

“Keighley has a lot of long-term derelict brownfield sites in the town centre which should be built on first,” said a spokesman.

“There is simply no point in having strategies, policies or regulations when they are disregarded.

“If the applications for greenfield sites were all rejected – as they should be – and the houses needed were built on the town-centre derelict sites, then they would be within Keighley’s ‘core walking zone’ linking to Keighley College and the railway station and meet many other strategies and policy criteria too.

“Maybe there needs to be an inquiry into why and how so many planning applications, that should be rejected, are passed.”

But the agent for the latest scheme, Sam Dewar, says the scheme will bring positive benefits.

“We have responded directly to the points raised following the refusal of the application last year and provided everything that councillors wanted,” he added.

“We’re offering a fully compliant scheme.

“It will provide much-needed affordable housing and the impact of the development would be subject to Section 106 agreement.

“This is a deliverable scheme in a sustainable location and while there are objections from residents, there are none from consultees.

“We’re in a world where the pressure to provide housing is significant and this will offer a meaningful contribution.”