Grey Belt arguments convince as 165 Bradford homes approved
Avant’s plans for Otley Road in Menston have been greenlit, along with 100 dwellings in Wilsden, put forward by Hargreaves Land.
Both schemes are for fringe locations formerly regarded as Green Belt, but Bradford’s parlous housing supply situation and tweaks to planning guidance mean such sites are now very much in the sights of housebuilders and land promoters.
Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee met on Thursday 13 August to consider the applications. Both were recommended for approval, and were passed accordingly.
For Avant’s scheme, access to the 65-home project will be taken directly from Otley Road. Half of the homes will be classed as affordable.
As summed up by planning officers, under updated guidelines the site is considered as Grey Belt, as it would not contribute to ‘spread’ or join together built-up areas, or impact on heritage areas.
Moreover, as officers observe, there is “a demonstrable unmet need for housing in Bradford which is confirmed by the current housing land supply position of 2.08 years”, some way short of the five years required.
The 7.3-acre site is described as occupying a sustainable location adjacent to the edge of the existing settlement boundary of Menston, where there are amenities and services within walking distance and public transport connections.
Used for grazing, the site is 2km north of Guiseley, 6km south-east of Ilkley and 10km north-east of Bradford.
Menston Parish Council objected, along with more than 200 residents.
Avant is advised by planner Spawforths, The professional team also includes Bryan G Hall, Envireau Water, DACLA, FPCR, Futures Ecology, Eastwoods, Dragnofly, MapArch and Award Energy.
Documents relating to the Avant scheme can be seen on Bradford’s planning portal, reference 24/04590/MAO.
Lichfields is advising Hargreaves. Credit: planning documents
Billed as Wilsden Fold, the Wilsden application is summed up in much the same way, namely that it does not contribute strongly to the three purposes of Green Belt classification relating to spread, joining together large built-up areas, and protecting historic assets.
Hargreaves Land is the applicant, working with planner Lichfields. Pegasus Group and Bryan G Hall are also on the advisory team.
Taking up close to 10 acres west of Harden Lane on the northern edge of Wilsden, the development site is described as a sustainable location on the edge of the existing settlement boundary, putting services close at hand.
Officers recorded that the proposal satisfies the ‘Golden Rules’ for Grey Belt development, providing a 15% uplift in affordable housing provision to the local standard, meaning 35% in total, along with providing infrastructure improvements and publicly accessible green space.
The development would not have a severe impact on the highway network in terms of capacity or congestion and the site access and internal layout are safe and suitable for all users, it was concluded.
Wilsden Pariah Council strongly objected.
Hargreaves’ plans can be seen on Bradford’s planning portal, with the reference 26/00109/MAO.
