Campaigners fear a new housing estate will blight the historic 18th century Leeds-Liverpool canal near Keighley.

And David Bateman, of Riddlesden Action Group, warned the canal-side conservation area between Riddlesden and East Morton could become soiled by dogs and deteriorate into an untidy mess.

The organisation is opposing plans for about 400 new homes off Swine Lane.

The first phase of 138 houses is set to be approved by Bradford planners tomorrow.

It was deferred at the last meeting following a number of objections, including one from the police who were critical about the standard of locks on doors and windows.

Officers also pointed out their concern about pathways being too close to house back gardens.

Mr Bateman said that plans for public open space near the canal should not be regarded as part of the conservation area.

"They should be two separate things," he said.

"Public open space can easily deteriorate and destroy the conservation area

"And houses could be built too near the canal and become obtrusive and not in keeping with the surroundings."

The development would open up the north side of the canal to the public.

"At present the site is fields and there is no towpath.

"It is not accessible at the moment, but if it does become like the towpath on the south side, it will turn into a dog toilet.

"The south side is a disgrace," said Mr Bateman.

He said he was not in favour of the house gardens running up to the canal, as in developments further along the canal, because they often detracted from the spirit of the conservation area.

A spokesman for the developer, Taywood Homes, said homes near footpaths would be protected by a 1.8m high fence and the access would be by a gate.

"The layout is such that most pathways and areas will be overlooked directly by houses, providing natural surveillance."

Planning legislation did not include rules on the types of locks that needed to be used, but information could be provided at the planning stage, he added.

A report by planning officers said the site would have two main distribution roads, including one on a bus route.

Pedestrian paths linking open spaces would be well overlooked and open to ensure a sense of security.

Development along the canal would be low density to provide views of the canal.