AS a ward Councillor for Wharfedale I was delighted that Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeal’s committee meeting last month turned down a housing project proposed for Bingley Road in Menston.

Councillor Dale Smith and I have been campaigning against building in an area where ground water emergence is already a problem and where flooding is a real possibility if more houses are built.

An eminent ground water specialist, Dr Reid, came to give evidence and his arguments were very persuasive. In his professional opinion, he stated that the flood mitigation measures, proposed by the developers, just wouldn’t work.

Councillor Jackie Whiteley, who sits on the committee, having listened carefully to the evidence given, proposed that the application should be turned down, because it was totally at odds with what the Bradford Council officers said. Four other members of the committee agreed with her and only the chairman voted for the scheme.

As the developers already have outline planning permission, our campaign against building on this site will continue. I hope that the Bradford Council officers will now take fully into account the comments made by Dr Reid when considering any future scheme.

Gerry Barker Ward Councillor (Con) Wharfedale