A butcher has spoken of his disappointment after a Government inspector upheld a controversial decision to refuse permission for a farm shop.

Isherwoods Butchers wanted to build the farm shop and a cafe next to the golf driving range in Keighley Road, Silsden.

But despite huge public support for the proposals, the scheme was rejected by Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley Planning Panel in April, on grounds that it was inappropriate development in the green belt.

And now an appeal has been turned down by the planning inspector, who ruled there were "no special circumstances" to allow building on green belt land.

(Image: Jo Steele)

Isherwoods, which has run a family butchers business in Kirkgate since 1987, had said it needed to expand and that there was no other suitable location in Silsden town centre.

David Isherwood – whose son, Josh, is in charge of the day-to-day running of the shop – says: "This was an extremely important scheme for the business and we feel very aggrieved at the decision.

(Image: submitted)

"We believe the site would have been perfect, and that special circumstances should have been applied.

"In our view, Bradford Council has missed an opportunity. More and more housing is being allowed in Silsden, yet here was a chance to support a local business with a scheme that would have benefited the area and its economy.

"I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to Silsden Town Council, which went above and beyond to help us, and to everyone who gave their support. There were over 1,000 letters supporting us.

"There isn't a follow-up plan at the moment. We will consider our options."

The scheme was also supported by Keighley MP Robbie Moore.

He says: "It's beyond belief that the Isherwoods' application has been dismissed on the basis it would be harmful to the green belt. Yet Labour-run Bradford Council is happy to inundate Silsden with new housing developments, and our new Labour Prime Minister wants to rip up the green belt for housing.

"It seems that if it's a housing application then that is OK, but if it is a local family business wanting to grow, create jobs, boost the local economy and provide a service for Silsden – all backed by huge local support – then the attitude is completely dismissive.

"We're now in a situation where Silsden will get even more houses, but little infrastructure to service them."