Furious Queensbury residents are calling on Bradford Council to take action against a developer for digging up an area protected by Green Belt status.

Council enforcement officers are in discussion with developers PJ Wade Ltd about damage to a field off Station Road, which has had its top soil stripped off and waste - mainly clay-based liner material - from a nearby reservoir dumped on to it.

The Huddersfield company owns both the field and the Albert Road reservoir, where it has been granted outline planning permission for a housing scheme.

But it has not applied for the permission needed to alter any Green Belt land.

Paul Cromie, owner of Queensbury MoT Testing Station, was one of several people who complained to the Council when he realised what was happening.

He said: "I live at the side of the field and my garage is straight across from it, and it looks terrible now.

"I accept that the firm can build on the reservoir but it seems to have gone on to Green Belt land without any permission. I don't want this tipping to set a precedent for other builders.''

A Council planning spokesman said: "Following a visit by enforcement officers, the developer has informed us he will be submitting a retrospective planning application to spread the materials and raise the levels in the adjoining field.

"We will consider the application to see whether tipping on the field could be allowed in principle, and look at the proposals the developer has for the finished appearance of the site to see whether it blends in.''

Albert Crescent resident Mike Tomkinson, 46, fears this means the field's protected status has effectively stood for nothing.

"I can't believe that somebody can go on to a Green Belt site and do something like this and, seemingly, get away with it.

Philip Ashton, principal with PJ Wade's agents, Ashton Associates, said: "I think Mr Wade is in touch with the Council. I have no further comment to make on this matter.''

PJ Wade has also bought Black Dyke Mills and its surrounding lands. The firm's proposals to build housing there which would require access through Queensbury Cemetery have also sparked protests from residents.

No-one from the firm was available for comment when contacted by the Telegraph & Argus.