Developers of a £10 million office complex in Bradford have claimed that Council planners could scupper the proposed complex because of a wrangle over construction materials.

Landmark Development Projects and Barnfield Construction revealed plans for Phoenix Place in Mill Street, close to Forster Square, in June.

But directors of the two companies have claimed plans for the 50,000 sq ft four-storey office block have been put in jeopardy after concerns were raised by Bradford Council about using brick for the exterior, and not natural stone.

Richard Morton, director of Landmark Development Projects, said it was too expensive to build the walls of stone.

"It is clear that Bradford is in desperate need of quality office accommodation and so it is immensely frustrating for us to learn that the local authority will risk such a gain," he said.

"It is simply not viable for us to use natural stone which is far more expensive than brick, and it is ridiculous that the project might never be delivered as a consequence for a city that needs to move forward.

"Our proposals present a modern and attractive building that has received no objection from English Heritage, which is guardian to the built environment."

Mr Morton added up to 350 new jobs would be created if Phoenix Place was built.

Douglas Brook, the Council's senior planning officer, said the plans had now been amended so the exterior would be built using a combination of brick and stone. "We told the developers that the materials they proposed were not suitable inside the cathedral conservation area and by a number of listed buildings constructed of natural stone.

"The plans have now been amended to show a combination of brick and natural stone and a decision will be made on the application in the very near future."

Plans for the complex were announced following the successful letting of No 1 the Interchange, Land-mark's most recent office development in the city.

Councillor Simon Cooke, executive member for the economy, said he was willing to talk to the developers to see if the problem could be overcome.

"From my point of view I want to see effective and successful developments in the city centre."

But Coun Cooke added that planning officers had guidelines to follow, especially in conservation areas, but he said he hoped a compromise could be reached.