Housing plan in Bronte Country refused over concerns for conservation area

An application to build three homes on land off Pasture Avenue in Oakworth have this week been refused by Bradford Council – who argued the site provides an important green gap between the village and neighbouring hamlet Dockroyd.

It also lies within the Oakworth Conservation Area.

The application for the homes was submitted by W J Poole, and said the development was “capable of being integrated into its setting.” It also pointed out that Bradford is facing a large shortfall in its required housing supply.

But refusing the development, planning officers said: “The application site makes a positive contribution to the character of the Oakworth Conservation Area due to its openness, which maintains the distinction and separation of the farming hamlet of Dockroyd from the main settlement in Oakworth.

“The proposed development of the land will result in harm to the conservation area, through the loss of openness, with no corresponding public benefit to outweigh the harm.”

Highways officers had also raised concern about the different levels on the site, arguing the driveways to the properties would be so steep that residents may just opt to park on the street instead.