A NEW campaign group quickly forged to fight council-backed plans for 72 homes on the site of a demolished school holds its first meeting tonight.

A planning application by Bradford Council to build houses on fields beside Cliffe Lane West, Baildon, has prompted a storm of opposition led by Baildon Action Committee (BAC), which was formed last week and already has more than 600 signatures collected against the scheme.

And it has its first official meeting this evening at the Cricketers Arms, Lower Green, Baildon, at 7.30pm said BAC secretary Amy Simister.

"We've been so impressed by people's response - we've already got more than 300 paper signatures and the same online," Mrs Simister said.

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"We now have a properly established committee and will be asking people for their ideas on how we can fight this development.

"Also, we will be giving out information on what we've done so far, such as the petitions which are in all the local shops, businesses and pubs.

"The main thing is the traffic issue. The council estimates one and a half cars per property, but realistically that will be two cars or even three," said quantity surveyor Mrs Simister.

Freshly re-elected Green councillor for Shipley, Kevin Warnes, has joined with Baildon ward councillors in helping BAC in its fight.

"I have asked the council's highways team for a new survey of traffic leaving Baildon along Green Lane to establish the length of existing delays at the junction with Otley Road.

"A survey was done a couple of years ago, but I've asked them to get a new assessment of traffic flows," Cllr Warnes said.

"People aren't resolutely against any building in Baildon, but here the infrastructure is creaking at the seams and it all adds up to a nightmare traffic situation," he said.

Ward councillor Debbie Davies said the speed of action was a mark of local opposition.

"They've done a fantastic job in getting so organised so quickly," she said.

Cllr Davies has helped to ensure that the development will now be decided by councillors, not officers and will have to go to committee.

"This is important because the closing date for comments on the proposal was Friday, May 22," she said.

"However the Regulatory and Appeals committee will not meet until July, so comments can be made right up until that meeting, regardless of the closure date on the Council's planning website," she said.

Cllr Davies and fellow ward councillor Val Townend are also calling for an emergency public meeting where the plans can be displayed in full.

The mix of family homes would include 20 social housing properties and 52 for sale.

"There are a lot of rumours on social media and it would be good for the council to both listen, and explain its case," she said.

A Council spokesman said: "Since this is a major application, it will determined by the Regulatory and Appeals Panel where councillors will have the opportunity to debate the proposal.

"We are looking to arrange a consultation with local residents next week to further clarify the application and to respond as far as we can to any questions."