The magic of Cottingley's famous 'fairy dell' is set to be overshadowed by a plan to build dozens of houses.

Planners have approved a scheme to build 60 homes on land at Cottingley Moor Road - near to where Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright took their famous bogus photographs of the 'fairies' in 1917.

The approval comes despite 20 letters of objection from residents and two petitions signed by 190 people, protesting about the development on the land, which is split into two areas by Cottingley Beck, the fairies' birthplace.

Speaking at the meeting at Shipley town hall, Coun Simon Cooke (Con, Bingley Rural), said: "As is well known, this is the site where the Cottingley fairies were photographed, something which is not just of importance locally, but, due to films made on the subject, has also taken on national significance.

"It is very regrettable that the officers' report has not given significant attention to that issue - the historical quirk to the site is what makes it very different."

Coun Cooke also asked for highways safety issues to be considered, calling for a crossing to be installed near the site, as well as pointing out the environmental impact the development would have on the surrounding area.

Other objectors raised worries about local schools, saying they were already over-subscribed, as well as concerns about traffic problems.

But Michael Patchett, of Queensbury developers Patchett Homes, denied that the plan would have an adverse effect on the fairies' site.

He said: "We have discussed the issues effecting this site over many months and we believe we have addressed all the major sensitive issues raised.''

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