A KEIGHLEY West councillor is urging people in the ward to examine the newly-published draft Local Plan – and give their views.

More than 700 new homes are allocated for sites within the ward as part of the document, produced by Bradford Council.

Councillor Adrian Farley says it’s important that residents look at the proposals and have their say.

“There are some sites – such as those once occupied by the old Whinfield flats and the now-demolished school – which I think are right for housing,” said Cllr Farley.

“The flats site has become a dumping ground for rubbish and an eyesore ­– I’ve been pushing for something to be done there for some time.

“But there are concerns about other sites included, which are greenfield.

“This Local Plan is an early draft and if people have concerns, they need to come forward and engage in the consultation.

“We need to control where housing can and can’t be built in the future.”

Proposed allocations in Keighley West include 173 houses at Braithwaite Avenue/North Dean Road, 141 in Keighley Road, 125 at Exley Road/Oakworth Road, 102 at Holme Mill Lane, 41 at the former Bronte playing fields, 39 in Whinfield Drive, 30 at the former Branshaw Special School site, 29 at Higher Wheathead Farm, 28 in Black Hill Lane, 22 at Occupation Lane, 12 in North Dean Road, nine at the former Ingrow Corn Mill and six in Ryan Grove.

The draft Local Plan outlines the likely location for where tens of thousands of new homes across the Bradford district will be built by 2038.

Sites are allocated that will be used to meet Government-appointed housing targets and help shape planning decisions.

And the hefty document also includes locations for future employment sites.

Bradford district has been without an up-to-date Local Plan for years.

The current target for the district is around 1,700 homes a year. Until 2019, the figure was 2,476 – but a change in Government policy led to Bradford Council redrawing its targets.

As well as 325 housing sites, the plan also includes 80 hectares of employment plots and the designation of 1,693 open spaces – totalling 2,781 hectares of land.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, consultation materials are only being made available online – visit bradford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/planning-policy/ to take part.

But anyone who experiences problems accessing the consultation, or who has any questions about the Local Plan, can call 01274 433679 during office hours or email planning.policy@bradford.gov.uk.

The consultation closes on March 24.