Warning over school places as plans for estate opposed

Persimmon Homes has submitted plans for the homes on land at Cote Farm at Thackley, Bradford.

The developer says the proposals offer a significant opportunity to address the housing shortage in the city – and in a “sustainable location close to shops, services and bus routes”, according to documents filed to the council.

But opposition to the scheme is growing.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Jeanette Sunderland said the land was designated “urban greenspace” and had not been allocated for future housing development.

She said there was already substantial problem with a lack of school places, with local schools “massively over-subscribed”.

“Nothing that the developer has put forward deals adequately with road congestion and access onto Leeds Road or with flooding issues.

“A group of people have come together to form an action group to look at traffic and other issues.”

She said the types of houses being proposed would not benefit the kinds of people who needed housing – retired women living on their own and older people.

The planning application was submitted just days ago and already the council has received around 40 objections.

Local councillors have delivered leaflets about the proposals and petitions are circulating locally.

The developer says the scheme would generate economic benefits and provide much-needed housing.

The proposals are being submitted in two phases. An outline scheme for up to 270 homes and a full planning application for 60 homes.

Persimmon said it proposed to build a mix of two, three, four and five-bed family homes.

The company has already consulted local people and has carried out investigation work into transport, flooding, ecology and other issues.

Residents fear the impact of an increase in the volume of traffic and the loss of an open space. Several people use the land for the stabling of horses.

A recent public meeting attracted 150 people. A date has yet to be set for the scheme to come before a planning committee.