Increasing pressure is being put on our green spaces as the seemingly insatiable demand for housing continues to spiral.

Across the district, more and more sites are being targeted by developers.

In an ideal world, so-called brownfield sites would be swallowed up, leaving our open fields untouched. But this, unfortunately, is not an ideal world.

Picturesque spots with panoramic views are invariably a more attractive proposition than town-centre plots.

This week residents have been urged to make their views known before publication later this year of the Local Plan, which will outline Bradford Council's preferred locations for up to 45,000 new houses over the next 15 years.

It is a difficult balancing act between the need for affordable housing, and the protection of our countryside.

But consideration must also be given to the interests of existing communities, as large new housing estates can put immense pressure on infrastructure.