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Plans to build 75 homes on Green Belt land near Menston

Wednesday, 8 January 2025 16:56

By Chris Young, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to build 75 houses on Green Belt land between Menston and Otley have been revealed by a developer.

But the proposals have already led to concerns that the development could lead to an “urban sprawl” between the two towns.

Avant Homes has submitted a planning application to build 75 homes on land off Otley Road to Bradford Council.

The application says half of the homes would be classed as “affordable” and argues that the need for new homes in the Bradford District should outweigh the need to retain this Green Belt site.

Development of Green Belt land would normally require a developer to show there are “exceptional circumstances” as to why regular policies need to be ignored.

The planning application acknowledges that the 75 homes would harm a Green Belt site, but that it would have a “limited impact” on the wider area.

The application says: “As the proposed development would constitute ‘inappropriate development’ within the Green Belt, it is acknowledged that there would be definitional harm to the Green Belt.

“It is also acknowledged that the proposal would comprise major development on a site currently devoid of development apart from some derelict outbuildings and would introduce a significant volume of new built form, including building and hardstanding.”

It says the application includes an assessment on how the homes will effect the Green Belt, adding: “The assessment has shown that the land at Otley Road, Menston is contained by the surrounding landform, vegetation and existing built form, and (development) will not result in unrestricted sprawl of large urban areas and will have a limited impact on the merging of Menston and Otley, along with a limited effect on encroachment.

“Development of the site would have some erosion on the openness, the perception of this impact will be greater at a localised level.”

The application says details of the proposals were sent to local politicians, community groups and 1,368 households late last year.

There had been 13 responses raising concerns about the plans.

Referring to one consultee’s concern that the development would lead to the loss of a local green space, the applicants say: “The site is private land, with no public access, and does therefore not currently function as useable local greenspace.”

Another consultee said: “The site is designated Green Belt and development would join the towns of Menston and Otley.”

The applicant’s response says: “We acknowledge the Green Belt designation of the Site. The planning support statement will demonstrate a planning balance of the development of the Site and provision of much needed housing, against loss of Green Belt land.”

Another highlighted the fact that Bradford Council had already rejected the site as “not suitable for housing.”

The applicant replied: “This fact is acknowledged, and it is noted that Bradford Council has an undersupply of land for housing, and sites within the GB will need to come forward to meet this shortfall.”

A decision on the application is expected in April.

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