The farm where the Rev Patrick Bront lived before the birth of his three famous author daughters could be protected.

Kirklees Council has made an application to have Thornbush Farm, High Town, Liversedge, listed because of its historical significance.

Mr Bront was a tenant at Thornbush Farm when he worked as a vicar at Hartshead in the early 1800s.

Imelda Marsden, Bront Society heritage conservation representative, said: "We believe Patrick brought his wife, Maria, to the house after they were married in Guiseley. And he wrote some of his 'cottage' poems there," she said.

"I asked for it to be listed because I feared it would be pulled down and lost forever."

Joanne Needham, conservation officer for Kirklees council, said an application to list the building was before the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.