A Steeton naturist is angry that potential neighbours could see him nude in his garden.

Leslie Howard fears occupants of three planned houses will see him from their second-floor windows.

He believes Bradford Council’s decision to give planning permission for the homes breaches his human rights.

Mr Howard, 70, has done his gardening while naked since moving into his Coppy Road house almost two decades ago. Large fencing and bushes hide his activities from existing neighbours and a nearby hill.

Now Mr Howard’s privacy is threatened by homes due to be built on land — currently occupied by garages — next to his house.

Mr Howard said a council officer warned him his new neighbours could phone the police to have him arrested for indecency.

Nudism in public is generally legal so long as it does not cause “harassment, alarm or distress” to other people.

Mr Howard said: “Naturists don’t want to offend people. We’re law-abiding citizens. For 17 years I’ve been in my garden legitimately and now at 70 years old they’re making me a criminal. “I’ve tailored the garden so I can sunbathe without anyone seeing. Everyone around here knows and I’ve never had any problems.”

Mr Howard believes the decision breaches several sections of article 8 of the Human Rights Act.

Alleged contraventions include respect for Mr Howard’s private life, freedom of thought and belief, living the life he chooses, being safe and protected from harm and enjoying his property without unnecessary interference.

He said: “This act sets out certain principles, which I consider the planners have ignored, and if allowed to go ahead it could have a detrimental impact on my private life.”

Mr Howard said he approached his solicitor about suing the council but was told that action would cost up to £100,000.

He said: “I don’t want to pay that sort of money. The solicitor said it was a very grey area. It would have to go to the High Court.”

Mr Howard plans to continue sunbathing even after the houses are built and people can see into his garden.

The planning application was granted by Bradford Council officers, rather than councillors on the planning sub-committee.

Ian Wilson, Bradford Council’s planning casework manager, said: “As with all applications, we took into account the privacy of residents surrounding the site in Coppy Road, including Mr Howard, and the high degree of screening around Mr Howard’s own garden was noted.

“The application for housing next to Mr Howard’s property will see homes being built 30 metres from his house so it was considered there would be no loss of privacy within habitable rooms. The council’s planning process and procedures are compatible and balanced with the Human Rights Act and we are confident this application complies with these standards.”