BURLEY-in-Wharfedale residents are being urged to attend a planning inquiry into the building of 500 homes on greenbelt land in the village.

The public Sun Lane Planning Inquiry started on Tuesday, May 14 and is estimated to run for eight days

It is being held at the Queen’s Hall, Main Street, Burley-in-Wharfedale and starts each morning at 9.30am or 10am, with various breaks during the day.

The inquiry is happening following government intervention over plans submitted by developer CEG to build on greenbelt at Sun Lane.

Last summer Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire “called in” the planned scheme, which meant the decision to allow the build was taken out of Bradford Council’s hands and given to the Planning Inspectorate.

Local MP Philip Davies has been a vocal objector to the planning application, as well as Burley Parish Council, Wharfedale district councillors and residents.

Now a small group of Burley residents - the Burley Objectors’ Group headed up by Robert Felstead - is currently going up against developers CEG and Bradford Council at the planning inquiry with no professional representation.

A spokesperson for the group said: “The inquiry will be the final opportunity for other residents to support the group and demonstrate their objection to the proposed development.

“Burley-in-Wharfedale Parish Council rejected the planning application for 500 houses from CEG. Although Bradford Council went on to pass the application, it was later called in by the Secretary of State.

“Planning Inspector, Mr David Wildsmith is presiding over the inquiry and will present his recommendations to the Secretary of State, after which the final decision will be announced.”

Note: the inquiry will not sit on Monday, May 20 and may finish sooner than scheduled.

Times quoted are subject to change based on the Planning Inspector’s directive.