Developers appeal against refusal of Wilsden housing estate bid (From Keighley News)

Developers appeal against refusal of Wilsden housing estate bid

5:00pm Thursday 27th December 2012 in News

Wilsden people received an unwelcome Christmas present – news that unpopular plans for a housing estate in their village could still go ahead.

In April a proposal to build 73 homes on a field off Crack Lane was thrown out by Bradford Council following objections from local residents and politicians.

They feared it would increase the risk of flooding and that planned double yellow lines around parts of the new estate would displace people already living there.

But now developer Harron Homes is appealing against the decision and a planning inspector will decide whether the houses can be built.

A public meeting to discuss the issue was arranged for today and MP Philip Davies has already voiced his opposition to the appeal.

The scheme was refused due to concerns over the no parking restrictions, the risk of flooding and that the estate’s design was not up to scratch.

Harron Homes was not available for comment but said it believed its arguments would overcome each of the reasons for refusal.

It has asked to argue its case at a four-day inquiry. A date has not been set.

Mr Davies said: “My stance on schemes like this is pretty well known. Estates like this are inappropriate and not in character with villages. They are a burden to the infrastructure of places not designed for this type of development.

“I am opposed to this plan and very much hope the planning inspector dismisses it. I will do anything I can to help residents stop this development from going ahead.”

Coun Michael Ellis (Con, Bingley Rural) was on the planning committee that refused the application. He is disappointed the decision is out of the Council’s hands, but has vowed to continue fighting it.

Jane Callaghan, chairman of Wilsden Parish Council, said: “We are disappointed and frankly amazed that they’ve put in an appeal.

“The whole application was so badly put together and was soundly rejected by the planning panel in April.”

She urged residents to attend the public meeting at Wilsden Village Hall, which starts at 7pm.