Plans for a major housing development on former green belt land in Menston have been submitted to Bradford Council.

A planning application by Barratt Homes has been validated for 174 homes on Derry Hill.

Angry residents have campaigned against the housing and a further 125 homes planned for Bingley Road by Taylor Wimpey.

Both sites were re-allocated for housing following an inquiry by a Government Planning Inspector in 2004, despite objections by Bradford Council.

Campaigners are now pinning their hopes on changes to planning guidelines which could see residents play a greater role in planning decisions and local authorities forced to abandon old regional strategies.

Hundreds of residents turned out in July to view an exhibition by the developers and Government minister Greg Clark visited the area.

Campaigners, led by the Menston Action Group, Menston Parish Council and Menston Community Associa-tion, say the infrastructure of the village cannot cope with the homes.

A report on behalf of the developers says the proposals are key in meeting the demand for new homes in the district.

The plans will be published on Bradford Council’s website and be available to view at Ilkley Town Hall.