Bradford: Former allotment site could be developed for housing despite concerns

The site off Parkwood Rise in Keighley was the subject of an outline planning application submitted to Bradford Council three and a half years ago.

The application sought permission to build housing on the site, and to detail access points. Further details such as the number and design of the homes on the site will need to follow as part of a full application.

The site had previously been allocated as one of Keighley’s future housing sites by Bradford Council – but that housing plan has since lapsed.

Although the application, by a Mr Mohammed, does not specify how many houses will be built on the site – one proposed layout indicates a 43 home development.

There had been 45 letters of objection to the plans and 116 in support.

Objectors said the plans would increase traffic in the area, and said there was a poor connection to public transport.

Supporters said it would help with the development of an “untidy” site.

Keighley Town Council had also objected to the plans, pointing out the development includes no proposals to improve the nearby Coney Lane bridge, an area that has caused traffic issues through the years.

The planning application said: “Although the site is greenfield, it is an unkempt site, with litter, scrub vegetation and some mature trees (mostly sycamore) around the perimeter.

“The main benefits of the development proposal will be development and use of a site that is an eyesore within the town and a provision of a mix of residential dwellings that will widen the choice of housing in the locality and help to meet the Council’s housing targets.”

It said a “small area of bluebells” on the site will be retained.

A reptile survey included as part of the application said no reptiles were found during seven inspections of the site, although a “common frog” was spotted on the third survey.

Referring to the concerns about the impact on Coney Lane bridge, planners pointed out that one of the conditions of a proposed development of 103 homes on Moss Car Road in Long Lee – approved in 2023, already included funding to improve the bridge.

Approving the Parkwood Rise application, planning officers said: “The resultant development would not increase traffic to the extent that could not be safely accommodated on the local network.”

Referring to an objector’s suggestion the site had poor public transport links, they said: “A bus service connects Long Lee to Keighley, and beyond.”

Officers added: “The scheme would provide additional residential development on an unallocated site.

“The highway arrangements are acceptable and present no concerns. Matters concerning drainage and biodiversity would be dealt with via conditions.”