RESIDENTS of Burley-in-Wharfedale, who are fighting plans to build in the village Conservation Area and green belt, say they are surprised to be invited to a workshop to help design the new houses.

Last month the McCarthy and Stone plans were revealed in the Gazette, but it has now been confirmed that the Church Field site, between the church and the A65, is not allocated for housing at all, say the residents.

They raised the question of McCarthy and Stone’s proposed development at the Burley Parish Council meeting on June 14.

“The Parish Council then asked Bradford Council to clarify the planning position. Bradford planners’ response was unequivocal – Church Field is in both the green belt and the Burley Conservation Area, and it is not allocated for housing,” said a spokesperson for the residents, Harvey Bosomworth.

“There is no green light for development on Church Field.”

Now residents say they are surprised that McCarthy and Stone have invited residents to a design workshop on July 6 for housing on a site which they say has no approval for housing development.

Mr Bosomworth said: “It is not a question of tweaking the details or amending the design. Residents are opposed to any development here as it will inevitably ruin the character of the historic centre of Burley-in-Wharfedale, and destroy views into and out of the Conservation Area.”

Wharfedale ward councillors Jackie Whitley, Gerry Barker and Dale Smith have all indicated their opposition to green belt development, as has local MP Philip Davies.

McCarthy and Stone Regional Land Director Chris Watson said: “McCarthy and Stone is committed to a full and open consultation with local residents over our plans for new homes in Burley-in-Wharfedale. We would encourage residents to come along to the exhibition at Queens Hall between 3pm and 7pm on Friday 6th July to find out more, discuss the plans with our project team and have their say.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Council, said: “As we have already said, Church Field is in both the Green Belt and within the Burley Conservation Area, and it is not allocated for housing. However, the land has been put forward for consideration for allocation for development in the new Local Plan for the District but no decision has yet been made on these new allocations.”