A lifelong cactus expert's dreams of expanding his hobby have run into a prickly problem - residents don't want him.

David Quail, from Culling-worth, wants to extend a farmhouse at Old Oak Farm, Moor Edge, Harden, to include living space, a garage and greenhouse.

The secretary of the Bradford branch of the Cactus and Succu-lent Society says he wants to move to Harden after more than 20 years because there is not enough sun at his present home.

But more than 20 letters of objection have been lodged by residents complaining the plans will lead to an increase in traffic.

The area already suffers traffic problems with parking available only on one side of the narrow Moor Edge road.

Mr Quail, who said he transports anything he has to sell, said: "I'm not a commercial cactus grower. I'm an enthusiast and I do propagate. I've been keeping cacti since I was seven, that's going on for 50 years."

And in a letter to planners he said he is helping conserve endangered cactus species by artificial propagation thereby reducing the market for illegally collected habitat plants.

He added: "Occasionally, I sell them by post, all plants are taken to nurseries or elsewhere and are transported in the back of my car and there are no delivery or collection vehicles."

But Robin Owens, vice-chairman of Harden Village Society and a prospective neighbour, said: "These plans will create extra traffic, they're bound to.

"A large part of the plot will be covered in a greenhouse. The planning committee has consistently refused any development."

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