Controversial plans for a new care home in Keighley have been rejected

Neighbours had objected to the scheme, for land at Leeds Street, claiming it would decimate a wildlife haven and create traffic turmoil. But the site owner said the development – planned in two blocks providing 37 bedrooms – would have improved a derelict, overgrown area.

Bradford Council planners have ruled the scale and height of the buildings would adversely affect residents whose homes back onto the site.

They also claim street lighting and parking would be inadequate, and trees of “significant amenity value” could be lost.

In June site owner Wasim Iqbal said the land was an eyesore and the scheme would regenerate that area.

But Christine Adams, one of the residents who opposed the application, said this week she was unsurprised by the council decision. “I’m very pleased, but it is not a shock it’s been refused – there would have been far too much traffic and serious access problems,” she added.