Youngsters have won their bid to get a woodland BMX track, despite a protest by residents.

Andrew Green, 16, and his friends turned up at Bradford Area Planning Panel to present their case for a track in picturesque Bierley woods.

They handed in drawings and photographs to show members what it would be like. But residents who also attended the meeting said the riders would have to cross busy roads to get to the track.

They it was isolated in the woodland and the young bikers could be in danger from paedophiles.

The residents also protested that it would spoil woodland, and elderly people living opposite would be distressed.

Resident John Stead said they did not disagree with the idea of a track but believed it was the wrong site.

But Andrew told members they had nowhere to ride their bikes but in the street. He said they would put a metal fence in to prevent motor cyclists from using it and creating nuisance and dangers.

He said: "We care about wildlife, traffic calming is being put on Bierley Lane and the screening would stop any disturbance to the ponds where people fish."

They had been looking for several years for a site and this was the most suitable. Officers said small groups of youngsters would use the track and said it was acceptable.

The panel granted the application subject to conditions including details of a landscaping, a management plan and fencing installed before the track is used.

After the meeting Mr Stead said: "We feel it is the wrong place and I am astounded that in the whole Bierley estate a more suitable site could not have been found."