Angry Wilsden residents are protesting over yet another bid by Allied Textile Companies to build up to 70 houses in the village.

Although the seven-acre site on land off Crack Lane, next to Birkshead Mill, was earmarked for housing in the Unitary Development Plan, the company's applications were rejected because of access problems.

Residents thought they had heard the last of the scheme in April last year when planning inspector Alan Boyland dismissed the appeal after hearing evidence at Bradford City Hall.

But in August it emerged that the company was now prepared to pay tens of thousands of pounds for road calming measures in Crack Lane if the plans were approved.

This was again turned down but the company has appealed against the decision and an inquiry will be held on October 4 at Shipley Town Hall.

The chairman of Wilsden Village Society, Martin Harrison, who has strongly opposed the plans, said: "I'm dismayed to learn that this application is yet again being pursued.

"It has been rejected by Bradford Council on two occasions, the Secretary of State and by a Government inspector following a full inquiry.

"This would appear to be yet another attempt to obtain planning permission when they quite clearly can't meet the planning requirements."

Maurice Atack, a resident of Crack Lane, added: "It has already been rejected, the road system can't cope, three horse riding stables use the area frequently and Wilsden is in danger of becoming an urban village.

"I think it is just a waste of time and money and it speaks for itself that it has been rejected so many times."

Allied Textile boss, managing director Martin Towers, said: "Nothing in our application has really changed, there have been no radical developments.

"We want to find out what is really driving the council, what their hang-up is and get down to the nitty-gritty.

"We are optimistic about the development."

A spokesman for Bradford Council's planning department said the public inquiry would start on October 4.

He added: "Representatives from the Council and the applicant will give information to an inspector from the planning inspectorate who will decide whether the decision should be upheld or not. Members of the public will also be allowed to attend and give their views.''