A Keighley campaign group has demanded in-depth research by Bradford Council into the number of empty homes in the district.

The Braithwaite and North Dean Action Group believes the findings would support its case that there is no need for massive housing development in the local countryside.

The action group campaigns for greater use of brownfield sites such as derelict land. Spokesman Barbara Archer said developers were being given permission to build on greenfield sites due to fears of an impending housing shortage.

She said: “Information is coming to me from a variety of sources that suggests that the information this is based on is seriously flawed. There is nothing that suggests any shortage.”

Bradford Council last year carried out consultation on the district's housing needs through the Local Development Framework, which proposes 45,000 new homes over the next 15 years.