Housing scheme would put off canal visitors say campaigners

Research commissioned by Greenhill Action Group (GAG) has highlighted "strong concerns" about the environmental impact of the proposed 475 homes on green fields close to the Leeds-Liverpool canal, north of Laythorpe Farm on Sty Lane at Micklethwaite, near Bingley.

In a survey of those using the canal towpath at Micklethwaite, 97 per cent of respondents disapproved of the proposed development, with 98 per cent believing that it would also have a negative impact on their enjoyment of the area, said GAG.

The research – conducted by volunteers questioning 512 people – was commissioned by the campaign group to inform Bradford Council about the concerns of locals and visitors to the site,near Bingley's Five Rise Locks.

GAG chairman Terry Brown said: "The end of the housing is less than 300 yards from Bingley Five Rise Locks.

"People do not just stand at Five Rise Locks. They come to enjoy the canal and they walk along the canal. They go out along the towpath looking at the countryside and wildlife. The houses are going to totally spoil the aspect and character of the area.

"The survey demonstrates how popular this section of the canal is and its relevance as a leisure amenity, for both the local community and to visitors. The results clearly reflect a high level of disapproval for this housing development which will undoubtedly spoil future enjoyment of the area.

"A large number of people who we stopped were visitors to the area and they quite openly said that they came to the area for a day out to visit Five Rise Locks and maybe stop and have a coffee and have a walk along the canal. And they said if this was nothing but houses they would not come again because there would be no wildlife."

Mr Brown added that fewer visitors would affect the local economy.

Respondents were asked to rate their approval or disapproval of the proposed development and provide their assessment of its impact.

Of them, 41 per cent said they would visit the area less often if houses were built.

Towpath users expressed particular concerns about the potential loss of birdlife habitat along the canal bank, destruction of a green space and loss of a pleasant view.

Mr Brown has invited Bradford Council chief executive Tony Reeves and planning officers to attend a public meeting being organised by GAG at 7pm today at Bingley Grammar School.

Bradford Council development manager Peter Bridgman said: "We declined the request to attend the public meeting organised by the Greenhill Action Group because the invitation arrived at very short notice. However, I have offered to meet chairman Terry Brown at a subsequent time so he can put the group's points across to me.

"In order to give the issue as wide a public airing as possible we have also organised a special neighbourhood forum meeting at Bingley Grammar School on Wednesday, May 12, at 7pm. The meeting is open to anyone who has any concerns about the proposed development."

The proposal has attracted fierce opposition since Redrow Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd and Bellway Homes Ltd submitted a planning application for the dwellings as well as a new swing bridge over the canal and providing new access ways off Sty Lane and Micklethwaite Lane, access off Fairfax Road and off-site highway improvements.

Critics' concerns include increased traffic and the loss of green space.