The Government is considering whether to ‘call in’ controversial decisions to grant permission for 300 new homes in a village.

A spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government last night confirmed it has requested papers and documents from Bradford Council of the decisions to allow Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Homes to build up to 300 new homes in Menston.

The news could give fresh hope to campaigners in the village who have now vowed to fight on in their battle to stop the developments on Bingley Road and Derry Hill.

In February, members of the council’s Shipley Area Planning panel told a packed community centre in Menston they had to grant permission for the two projects with a “heavy heart”.

But campaigners from the Menston Action Group (MAG), Menston Community Association (MCA) and parish council have written to Eric Pickles MP, the former leader of Bradford Council and current Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, to complain against the lengthy planning process and the final decision.

His department said they have been in touch with the council and will look at the applications before deciding whether to call in the decisions.

“The department has requested the relevant papers and documents about the proposals from Bradford Council,” the spokesman for the Department for Communities and Local Government said.

“When we’ve received that information, we’ll then consider the case and whether it is being called in.”

Meanwhile, campaigners have revealed they will fight on against the developers and the council’s decision after taking time to reflect on the decision to grant permission for the homes.

Graham Booth, from MAG, says time was needed to lick wounds after the initial decision.

“After the shell shock experienced by our entire community seven weeks ago, at the Planning panel meeting held in Menston, we have all needed time to actually come to terms with what we think took place,” he said.

“A meeting has taken place between the parish council, MCA and MAG, and we are still united in our contempt of how we have been ‘communally abused’.

“This is our last chance saloon, and we will be going back out to our entire village to explain what our plans are.

“One thing we know for certain is that in order to have a fighting chance we need the best representation that we can afford. We are going to start raising funds – more than just a few bob. If we don’t dig in, and fight now, they will only come back at us for the next 600 houses proposed.

“So, our options are to dig deep or to sink. We as a group don’t have gills and I don’t have any skill at blowing bubbles.”