Plans put forward for a major expansion at a fishing centre on Green Belt land in Bingley could be sunk.

Mick Bradbury, owner of Farview fishing lakes in Lee Lane, has applied to Bradford Council for permission to dig a third lake and canal pond, and create a clubhouse and a classroom to teach disadvantaged children outdoor pursuits.

Mr Bradbury, also wants to demolish a run-down bungalow, known as Highfield and build a three-bedroom two-storey home for his family.

The proposals have been backed by the Council’s department of social services, whose staff have set up a fishing club for adopted and fostered children, based at Farview fishing lakes.

However, the plans to improve facilities at a fishing lake look set to be rejected after Council officers recommended them for refusal.

A report to the Keighley and Shipley area planning panel says that the replacement buildings would be larger and would represent unacceptable developments in the green belt.

The report said it is clear that the clubhouse would be “far more than a nature conservation or outdoor sports study centre”.

It states: “It is not considered that the proposed development, as a whole, constitutes the provision or essential facilities for outdoor recreation that would be allowed under Green Belt policy.”

The report describes the proposed two-storey building as “bulky” which would “stand prominently on the site.”

A report to the Council by Wilsden-based Aire Valley Architects, on behalf of Mr Bradbury, said there had been break-ins and fish stolen in the past and that the home was needed to provide management and maintenance.

The application will be decided at Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley planning panel meeting at Shipley town hall on Wednesday, October 24, at 10am.