Councillors back Shipley housing scheme as ‘excellent use of land’
Building housing on a Shipley site would be “an excellent use of land” – Councillors have decided.
Bradford Council’s Bradford Planning Pannel recently approved plans to demolish two houses on Moorhead Lane in Shipley, and the construction of seven houses in their place.
The plans had attracted considerable opposition, with 40 people objecting to the application.
But the panel approved the application after agreeing that it was better to build housing on a previously developed site, rather than the District’s green spaces.
The application had been submitted by Arrow House (Shipley) Ltd, and refers to the site of 27-29 Moorhead Lane.
The homes would all be detached, four bedroom properties with a minimum of two off street parking spaces per home. There would also be two visitor parking spaces on the site.
The application said: “The development is strongly supported by national and local planning policies that promote the efficient use of land within settlements and sustainable locations for housing.”
It pointed out that there is currently a major shortfall in housing sites in the Bradford District, and this application would help create an additional five homes.
There had been 40 objections to the plans, with concerns including an increased demand for on street parking, an increase in traffic and fears that future residents would suffer from poor air quality by being close to a busy road.
One said the housing was out of keeping with the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.”
A report to the planning committee described the existing properties as “two substantial detached dwellings” in “generous grounds.”
It recommended the plans be approved, saying: “The redevelopment of the site also algins with the objectives of planning policies in terms of prioritising the use of previously developed land located within recognised urban areas within Bradford for the delivery of residential development whilst avoiding green field sites.
“The redevelopment of the site would represent a more efficient use of the available land within the built-up area, with a net increase of five units overall.”
Agent for the applicants William Cartwright said: “The existing buildings are not heritage assets. Planning policy has strong support for the re-use of developed land.”
The decision took place at one of the final Council meetings before this week’s local elections.
Councillor Paul Sullivan (Cons, Bingley Rural) said: “I think this is an excellent use of land to help tackle our housing problem.”
Councillor Matt Edwards (Green, Tong) said: “For once I find myself agreeing with Councillor Sullivan. I can’t see any reason to refuse this.”
The plans were then approved.