Residents who have fought off plans to put a housing trust head office on a grassy area near their homes are planning a street party to celebrate their victory.

People living in Greengates who battled to save the green space at Rookwith Parade are overjoyed the housing trust has now beat a retreat.

Bradford Council's planning department has informed campaigners the housing trust has now withdrawn its bid to build on the land.

It followed claims from residents that it had been used for generations by local families for leisure.

Campaigner Christine Powell, 67, of Rookwith Parade, said North Bradford Community Housing Trust's plans for its new head office had "looked like a prison".

The trust wanted to build the first-floor building for about 30 staff with on-site parking fenced off from the Parade and the houses that surround it.

Mrs Powell said: "It would have looked like a prison with a big fence. We put up a fight because we didn't want it here, attracting more traffic and trouble-makers into the area.

"We fought and we won, it just goes to show people power can succeed.

"When the weather picks up, we're going to have a big party to celebrate."

Campaigners had earlier claimed the Trust has ignored their objections and were furious the application had gone so far.

Ward councillor Anne-Marie Benson (Lab, Eccleshill) said: "I'm proud of the residents for putting their case so strongly and showing that big organisations still have to take notice of what people think. It is a great victory and of course I'm doubly pleased that the young people in that area still get to keep their playing field."

Chris Hodgson, head of operations for North Bradford Community Housing Trust, confirmed the planning application had been withdrawn.

He said: "The planning application was withdrawn after taking into account the views of residents, and the conditions required of us by the planning department. We are now considering the refurbishment of our existing office premises on Ravenscliffe Avenue."

Bradford Community Housing Trust took over all Bradford Council's 26,000 houses in February 2003 and pledged to carry out £175 million worth of improvements and repairs over the first five years.

Bradford North is one of six area trusts which operate under its umbrella serving different areas.