Large housing scheme approved despite concerns

Plans for up to 100 new homes on green belt land near Bradford have been approved despite almost 500 objections.

New grey belt planning rules and claims that Bradford Council needs to "update" its plans for where new housing should be built were cited as key factors in the decision for land north of Harden Lane in Wilsden.

Councillors were told that changes to national planning policy meant the site could be classified as grey belt land and was therefore considered suitable for development.

The council's regulatory and appeals committee approved the outline application on Thursday.

Introduced in 2024, the policy allows some land previously classed as green belt to be reclassified for development in certain circumstances.

The application, submitted by Hargreaves Land Limited, would see 35% of the homes classed as affordable housing, with more than £130,000 provided to improve parks and play areas in Wilsden.

Conservative councillor Geoff Winnard warned the authority was being left to consider "speculative applications" that "test the green belt to its limit".

He said the proposal was one of three developments that could bring about 300 new homes to Wilsden, a village he described as having "limited infrastructure".

Winnard said councillors would continue to face similar applications until Bradford adopted an updated Local Plan setting out where future housing development should take place.

Planning officers said the site met the Government's criteria for grey belt land and represented a "modest extension" to the village.

Mike Slater, Bradford Council's interim major developments manager, said the land sat "cheek by jowl" with existing housing.

He told the committee: "I have no doubt this is what the government envisaged a grey belt site should look like."

Slater said the council could not rely on older planning policies while it lacked an up-to-date Local Plan and a five-year housing land supply.

Council legal adviser Bob Power added that Bradford was "seriously late" in adopting an updated plan.

The council received 487 letters opposing the scheme and nine in support.

Speaking on behalf of objectors, Cath Bacon said the land remained an important part of the green belt.

"Does this qualify as grey belt? My answer is no," she said.

Councillors voted to approve the application by five votes to none, with one abstention.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a further detailed planning application will be required before any construction can begin.

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