A MASTERPLAN could be on the cards to meet the challenges of increased housebuilding in Silsden, according to a ward councillor.

Adrian Naylor this week said Bradford Council officers had hinted to him they are considering devising a strategy to cover the town’s future needs.

He hopes the long-awaited masterplan will address infrastructure issues, such as schools, roads and energy supplies.

Cllr Naylor said: “I’m told the piece of work hasn’t started, but might start in the very near future.”

The news follows months of pressure from district councillors Naylor and Andrew Mallinson, who both represent Craven ward on Bradford Council, and town mayor, Cllr Chris Atkinson, for such a masterplan.

They claim urgent action is needed to ensure Silsden’s infrastructure can meet the needs of occupants of the expected 1,200 houses due to be built in the town during the next 25 years.

Cllr Mallinson renewed calls this month for development work to begin on the long-awaited eastern bypass for Silsden.

He spoke after Countryside Properties submitted a planning application for 190 homes on fields off Belton Road, on the south-east outskirts of Silsden.

Cllr Naylor this week said new houses in the Belton Road area is preferable to building 750 houses on the top side of Silsden around Swartha.

He added: “Traffic will come off the estate on to Belton Road, then on to Keighley Road. At least these houses will have the ability to go on to the Keighley bypass without going through the centre of Silsden.”

But Cllr Naylor warned Belton Road would eventually be just one of several access points from busy Keighley Road to new housing estates.

He added he and Silsden Town Council chairman, Cllr Chris Atkinson, had for several years asked for an overall strategy to guide the town’s development.

He said: “The intention is to put in a masterplan for the large number of houses. I’ve been told that work hasn’t really started. There’s still no planning with regard to the required infrastructure

“As these housing sites are brought forward, there’s a risk of housing companies driving the future development of Silsden, rather than the planners. These issues have to be thought of strategically.

“If Silsden is going to take this level of building, then they have to put the appropriate level of funding in place for infrastructure.”

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