A redundant farmer who planned to make a new life for himself as a property developer has had his plans knocked for six.

Bradford planners decided to turn down his proposals to build three luxury cottages in the green belt at Gilstead.

Stuart Clark, 38, of Sheriff Farm, Sheriff Lane, said the rejection of the £500,000 scheme was a bitter blow as he has had to give up his business after 20 years.

He had wanted to demolish redundant livestock buildings and two silos to build the cottages and six garages.

The scheme's failure was greeted with delight by local residents who feared the go-ahead would be the thin end of the wedge prompting yet further development. Mr Clark said: "It's the toffs who have got me, I have known them all my life and they are a clique. They think they are some millionaires of the Dales with their lifestyle. I half expected them, it's a put-up job by the local community.

"It has been stirred up by residents and members of the Eldwick Village Society though I don't know what it is to do with them. Some of the letters that have been sent by objectors were very unpleasant. My wife Dilys and I were very, very distressed by them.

"Ninety per cent of the letters objecting were from people more than a mile from the farm. I shall certainly appeal."

A spokesman for Shipley planners said: "The development would have caused demonstrable harm to the green belt."

David Briggs, chairman of Gilstead Village Society, said he did not want to comment. No-one was available from Eldwick Village Society.

Bingley councillor Colin Gill said: "I am glad that we have been able to defend the green belt around Gilstead. However, we must now redouble our efforts to save Warren Lane."

Shipley MP Chris Leslie also wrote to the Shipley Planning Office to object on the grounds that the site was residential green belt. He was also worried that the scheme could represent a precedent.

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