A RESIDENTS' group has lost its bid to stop a 267 home development at Apperley Bridge - after arguing it would breach the human rights of a disabled man.

Opponents of the development on Simpson's Green have been calling for a judicial review into Bradford Council's handling of the application.

Last week members of the Apperley Bridge Residents' Action Group attended court for an oral hearing of their application for a judicial review. But the judge ruled in favour of the council, saying its decision had not been unlawful.

The Miller Homes development was given planning permission in September but the Action Group continued to oppose it.

Members argued that the development breached the human rights of Bradley Watmuff who lives in an adapted apartment overlooking the proposed development site.

In written evidence he told the court he was heavily reliant on the view, peace and tranquillity which was provided by the open space.

He added: "However if the site is developed as proposed then I will lose such amenities."

Residents also claimed the development was not sustainable as there were not adequate highways infrastructure, schools, NHS services and other amenities. They also claim Bradford Council failed to put a five-year land allocation plan in place.

Rupy Hayre, from the action group, said the decision to allow building on the site was disgusting.

"The community as a whole is absolutely devastated by this," she said.

She added: "However I am immensely proud of Bradley and his whole family for the brave stance they have taken and am honoured to have represented our fabulous community during our fight to save a community asset. "

The group is now exploring whether there are any options left to take their case further.

The authority received 287 objections plus two petitions against the proposals and just one letter of support when its Regulatory and Appeals Committee met to discuss the application last year.

The council says an extensive consultation exercise was undertaken with the public and that the planning committee followed all the required processes when coming to its decision.

Miller homes has said all its plans were well considered and viable, and had included research into ground conditions, flooding and ecology; as well as thorough analysis of highways and traffic in the area.

Speaking last year Tim Williams, strategic land manager for Miller Homes said: "At present Bradford has a significant shortfall of housing and we believe our proposed development of high quality family homes will go some way towards reducing this and we are confident the finished development will bring about a range of benefits to the local community."