WORK is due to start this summer on a development of 41 affordable homes at Long Lee.

The scheme – for land between Long Lee Lane and Redwood Close – was approved by Bradford Council last month, despite some objections.

Those behind the project say it will provide jobs and training opportunities and create “a really attractive place to live”.

Spearheading the venture is Urban Developments (York) Ltd – part of the Urban Group – in partnership with Bradford-based social housing provider, Accent. The development has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects.

Plans to build 45 homes were approved in outline form in 2018.

Following that, Brewster Bye submitted a so-called reserved matters application for 32 houses – as well as a full planning application for nine homes on an adjoining site acquired by Urban Developments (York).

Approval was given by the council’s regulatory and appeals committee.

Work on the two and three-bedroom homes, which will each have parking and gardens, is expected to be complete by the end of next year.

Accent – which already operates more than 20,000 homes – will then manage the development and make the houses available for affordable rent and sale, on a shared ownership basis.

Nick Gould, managing director of Urban Developments (York), said: “Securing the go-ahead for this development is a great achievement for everyone involved and we’re looking forward to starting work.

“Long Lee is surrounded by countryside, but it’s still just a short drive to both Keighley and Bingley town centres.

“As a result it’s a great residential area and we’re confident this development will appeal to a wide mix of residents and families.”

Mark Henderson, of Brewster Bye Architects, said: “The development will provide local jobs and training opportunities as well as utilising Homes England funding to help deliver the Government’s agenda for new homes. We’ve designed the whole scheme around the natural slope of the land, which will create a development that sits comfortably within the existing context of both the site and its surrounding urban environment.

“The northern part of the development – consisting of 32 homes – has a traditional residential layout and the southern section will be a smaller, mews-style scheme.”

Andrew Black, from Accent, said the project was an “exciting opportunity”.

He added: “We are really looking forward to starting on site and working closely with Bradford Council and our partners to bring the scheme forward and establish a new vibrant and sustainable community.”