New home proposed on controversial Oxenhope site (From Keighley News)

New home proposed on controversial Oxenhope site

4:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Keighley

Fresh plans have been submitted to build a home on a controversial site next to Leeming Reservoir in Oxenhope.

Applicant Steve Taylor wants to develop the new property on the site of a previous application for a modern ‘eco-home’, which was refused by Bradford planners.

Members of the Keighley & Shipley Area Planning Panel rejected the earlier proposals in September last year. Panel chairman, Councillor Doreen Lee, said the planned house was more suited to Canary Wharf than Oxenhope.

Mr Taylor argued government policies favoured sustainable development of this type, and said the site did not accommodate species that were legally protected for conservation purposes.

The design statement accompanying his latest application states: “We’ve sought to preserve the character and appearance of Leeming Conservation Area through sympathetic use of local materials and a contemporary interpretation of the traditional architectural details.”

However, Oxenhope Parish Council has recommended the bid for refusal.

Objectors John Scott and Ken Aitken attended a PC meeting on Tuesday night. They said dozens of residents were opposed to the plans, adding they understood they were due to be considered by the area planning panel on March 6.