Cullingworth parish councillors and residents are “horrified” by plans to build more than 200 homes in the village.

Commercial Estates Group (CEG) revealed its revised plans for the Manywells Industrial Estate during a public consultation.

About 100 people attended the presentation on Friday to see what was earmarked for the 10.2-hectare site off Manywells Brow.

They learned of the company’s intention to provide about 230 homes and 15,000 sq ft of new commercial units.

Cullingworth Village Council chairman Councillor Jacqui Guy is concerned about the effects of building so many houses in one place.

She said: “I think people are absolutely horrified by the numbers – it’s an increase in Cullingworth’s housing stock of about 25 per cent.

“Bradford Council wanted Cullingworth to have 200 houses spread over a few sites.”

CEG hosted a site visit for village councillors last week, showing them where it planned to relocate an existing nature area, which includes orchids.

Coun Guy said some councillors are concerned the new nature area, higher up the hill, was too exposed and suffered more surface water.

She added: “I think we would oppose the relocation of the orchids. It would be very risky in terms of their survival.”

CEG gained planning permission in 2010 for a mix of housing and business development on Manywells Industrial Estate.

The company said its revised plans were more suited to today’s economy, and provided much-needed family homes alongside commercial units to meet employer needs.

It said that of 26 residents who commented during the consultation event, most were in favour of investment at the Manywells site to provide some housing.

But CEG admitted there were some concerns about the number of houses proposed.

CEG spokesman Steve McBurney said: “There was an appreciation that the use of this brownfield side will mean greenbelt sites elsewhere in Cullingworth will not have to be built on in future.

“This proposal will deliver investment into Cullingworth, creating construction jobs as well as new employment opportunities and increased spending in the local economy.”

The company will now consider residents’ feedback before submitting a planning application to Bradford Council.

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