Green belt homes plan approved despite objections

Plans to build housing on a "very special" area of green belt have been approved despite almost 100 objections.

A planning application to build nine homes on a field off Turner Lane, in Addingham, Bradford, was first submitted by Joanne Ogilvie in the summer of 2022.

The plans attracted 99 objections from residents of the village, many of whom were concerned over the loss of green space on the edge of their village.

However, councillors approved the application under new national guidelines which can allow green belt land to be reallocated as grey belt and suitable for housing.

This can be in cases where the site does not prevent the sprawl of large built-up areas or prevent the merging of two neighbouring towns.

A planning report to Bradford Council's regulatory and appeals committee suggested this site met the criteria, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, one of the objectors Stewart Bannister said: "Turner Lane is a very special place. It has always been a green space. At a time of year you will see snowdrops, followed by crocus, followed by daffodils."

He said very few cars currently travelled on the stretch of road, making it popular with dog walkers, cyclists and ramblers.

"This is a real asset to Addingham and Bradford," he told councillors.

He dismissed developer's claims that the site was sustainable, and that residents would be able to walk to local facilities, pointing out that local Co-Op was more than a mile away and said the homes would not be affordable.

Green councillor Caroline Whitaker questioned the consequences of agreeing this site could be downgraded to grey belt and said it could mean "any field in any village could be built on".

Richard Mowat, representing the applicants, said Bradford's current housing position was "dire".

"Nine dwellings can make a significant contribution to the local housing supply," he added.

The Labour committee chair Shabir Hussain said it was as difficult decision.

"The goalposts have been changed. This is the first decision we've had to make on the green belt, grey belt issue."

He said the planning officer's report was very thorough, and he would be supporting approval.

The committee voted five to one to approve the plan.

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