Plan to build 75 homes on green belt land revealed

Plans to build 75 houses on green belt land between Menston and Otley have been put forward by a developer.

Avant Homes has submitted a planning application to Bradford Council to build on land off Otley Road.

The application states half of the homes would be classed as "affordable" and argues the need for new homes in the area should outweigh the loss of the green belt site.

The proposals have already led to concerns the development could lead to an "urban sprawl" between the two towns.

Development of green belt land would normally require a developer to show there are "exceptional circumstances" as to why regular policies need to be ignored, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The planning application acknowledges that the 75 homes would harm a green belt site, but that it would have a "limited impact" on the wider area.

The application says: "As the proposed development would constitute 'inappropriate development' within the green belt, it is acknowledged that there would be definitional harm to the green belt.

"It is also acknowledged that the proposal would comprise major development on a site currently devoid of development apart from some derelict outbuildings and would introduce a significant volume of new built form, including building and hardstanding."

The application says details of the proposals were sent to local politicians, community groups and 1,368 households late last year.

There have been 13 responses raising concerns about the plans.

Referring to one consultee's concern that the development would lead to the loss of a local green space, the applicants said: "The site is private land, with no public access, and does therefore not currently function as useable local greenspace."

Another consultee highlighted the fact Bradford Council had already rejected the site as "not suitable for housing."

The applicant replied: "This fact is acknowledged, and it is noted that Bradford Council has an undersupply of land for housing, and sites within the GB will need to come forward to meet this shortfall."

A decision on the application is expected in April.

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