A BUILDER behind a controversial planned housing scheme in Keighley has reported a strong start to the year.

Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire says demand for new houses is continuing to rise.

Managing director Wayne Gradwell said: "Low borrowing costs and healthy labour market conditions have helped support consumer confidence.

"In the first half of this year, our new-home legal completions rose by six per cent to 7,238.

"We have also been encouraged by our private sale reservation rate, which is currently running four per cent ahead of the same period last year.

"And numbers of visitors to our sites are ahead of last year's levels by eight per cent."

He added that it was too soon to judge what impact the EU referendum result could have on the new-homes market.

Persimmon gained Government approval to build 124 houses in Occupation Lane, Keighley, despite objections from residents and Bradford Council.

An inspector disputed objectors' claims that traffic from the new houses would cause dangers in nearby streets.