A public inquiry is to be held into controversial plans to build a sheltered housing complex in Nab Wood.

Developers McCarthy and Stone have appealed against Bradford Council's failure to approve the demolition of a 100-year-old house and construct 32 new flats.

More than 45 residents have objected to the proposals, which would see a three-storey L-shaped block replace the Tudor-style family home on a 0.7 acre site off Nab Lane and Staveley Road.

Staveley Road resident Lynn Breeden said the building would tower above the other houses and increase dangerous traffic in a family area.

She said: "Where does it all stop? We're all on big plots of land and if this goes ahead, it could start the ball rolling for other developers to do the same. It's a beautiful house and to put a lot of flats there just doesn't fit in."

York-based McCarthy and Stone is currently constructing a £10 million sheltered housing complex on the site of Sutton House in Bingley, despite a 237-name petition against its demolition.

Original proposals for 42 flats on Nab Lane were rejected by Shipley Area Planning Panel in July on the grounds the development was too large and out of character. Residents say the development will destroy part of Bradford's heritage and that increased traffic will put their children's lives at risk.

McCarthy and Stone was advised to submit a new application, but appealed for contractual reasons as the application was not decided within the specified time period.

Company design manager George Martin said they had also amended plans to scale down the development and alter its appearance. He said: "We have taken due regard to the site and its surroundings and also addressed the concerns of planning officers."

Councillor David Ford (Green, Shipley West) said he was surprised by the public inquiry. He said: "I think there will be a huge public response against this and I shall certainly have my say. It's already a nightmare for drivers.

"Another key issue is the fact that it simply doesn't fit in with the design of the area around Nab Wood and Staveley Road - it would look out of place."

Written representations to the public inquiry should be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 10/13, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol, BS2 9DJ quoting reference APP/W4705/A/01/1074449 before November 15.