WORK has stopped on a controversial £5.5 million housing scheme due to a "technicality with a planning condition".

But developer Urban Developments (York) Ltd, part of the Urban Group, this week pledged its commitment to the project.

The company – working in partnership with Bradford-based social housing provider, Accent – is building 41 homes on land off Redwood Close, Long Lee.

However, following concerns raised by people living near the site over an apparent lack of progress, bosses have admitted an issue has arisen.

"Works have been temporarily halted due to a technicality with a planning condition," said Urban Group commercial director, Andy Green.

"We are liaising closely with Bradford Council and hope to be able to restart onsite very soon."

The firm declined to expand on details of the problem.

Bradford Council confirms it is in discussions with the company over a highways matter.

A spokesperson said: "We are continuing to work with the developer on the detail of the existing highway, and that of the new highway. This discussion is ongoing and we will continue to liaise with the developer as part of the required process."

The development, a mix of two and three-bedroom affordable homes and properties for rent, is scheduled for completion by the end of this year.

Around eight months ago controversy arose when residents living close to the site said water was running from the land into their properties and gardens.

One householder whose property backs onto the site said a torrent regularly streamed into his back garden, leaving a mess of silt and slurry.

He added that the problem had occurred since work began on the housing scheme in 2021, and despite several promises of action, nothing had been done to resolve it.

It was claimed that when the land was excavated, culverts were taken out, and the level of the site was built up.

Urban Group said at the time it was examining ways of addressing the issue and reducing flows from the site, and was in dialogue with residents.

It added that because the site is on a steep hill, and excessive rainfall had been experienced, it was difficult to "totally stop" run off.

The company, established in 2007, says it has an 85 per cent repeat business success rate and a number of big-name clients including Asda and Primark.

​