ONCE again, a threat to Keighley district's green belt is looming.

Proposals have been put forward for a possible 200 homes on fields at Goose Cote Lane.

Over the years we have seen a constant erosion of green spaces around the town and surrounding areas.

Opposition from residents and councillors seems to count for little or nothing.

So at what point do we say enough is enough? When all our pastures are beneath concrete?

Granted, as the population continues to grow, we need more housing.

No-one disputes that.

But we also need effective frameworks in place to make sure our countryside is properly protected.

Everyone, very laudably, says brownfield sites should be developed rather than greenfield plots.

That's a sentiment most would agree with.

But whilst there are plenty of excellent examples of where such as old mills have been transformed into homes, the fact remains that areas with rural aspects are a more attractive proposition for many developers.

The green belt versus brownfield debate has gone on for years, without any real progress.

Meanwhile, more and more open spaces have vanished and the fear that our future generations will inherit just an urban sprawl creeps ever closer to reality.