A sprawling housing estate will get a massive millennium green if Environment Secretary John Prescott gives the go ahead.

The ten-acre site at Allerton, Bradford, - which has panoramic views for more than five miles - is expected to be the biggest millennium green in the region. It would be protected as open space for 999 years through a peppercorn lease which would be given by Bradford Council, the land owner.

The main feature of the green will be a 100-ft wide stone white rose set high up the hillside which has been designed by landscape consultants. It will be visible from Clayton and beyond.

Last night's regulatory committee agreed to refer a planning application for the project to the Department of Environment and Transport for the Region saying the Council wanted it to be approved.

The application has to be sent to the DETR because the site is designated for housing.

Officers said police were concerned about its layout in terms of crime prevention, but consultation was taking place.

The site is currently informal open space, but work could begin in autumn on the multi-thousand-pound scheme if it gets the go-ahead.

Secretary to the trustees, ward councillor Clive Richardson described the site on the estate - which is having a multi-million thousand pound revamp - as a "green desert".

He said features would include a lit path, orchard and plants to encourage birds and wildlife.

He said a natural amphitheatre in the hillside could be used for community events and there would be a trim trail for keep-fit enthusiasts as well as areas for hobbies like kite-flying or sledging.

The Countryside Agency will give up to £40,000 for the scheme, which will cost at least £90,000.

Developers of the estate are also contributing and an application has been made for £35,000 to Bradford Environmental Action Trust.

Coun Richardson said: "This will preserve a green area for generations to come. We hope to start as soon as possible."

Fellow trustee, Maud Booth of Bell Dean Road said: "It will enable residents of all ages to take advantage of the wonderful views. There is a lot of red tape at the beginning of a project like this, but the momentum will pick up when people see things happening on the ground."

Mrs Booth, 71, who has lived on the estate for 37 years, said: "The regeneration improvements are wonderful and it is good that the flats, which had problems, were pulled down.

"The millennium green is very important because so many green areas are being built on now."

The scheme was welcomed by regulatory committee members who unanimously gave it the thumbs up.

Councillor John Carroll (Con, Shipley East) said: "We are maintaining Green Lane which is what the residents have said they want."

The scheme was described as a "welcome relief" by Councillor John Buffham (Con, Thornton).