Housing scheme approved despite objections

The development near Low Moor Telephone Exchange would include 85 affordable homes

More than 170 homes are set to be built on fields in Bradford after councillors voted to approve the scheme.

Developer Homes by Honey has been granted permission to build on land off Abb Scott Lane, near the Low Moor Telephone Exchange, despite numerous objections.

On Thursday, councillors listened as those opposing the project outlined their concerns, including issues around traffic, flooding and reservoir maintenance.

However, after a lengthy debate the scheme was passed, with Sarah Willis, on behalf of the applicants, saying the development would help the council tackle its shortfall in new housing.

In total 173 homes are due to be built on the land, including 85 affordable homes.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Homes by Honey told the meeting that Homes England would help fund the affordable homes and social housing landlord Incommunities was likely to manage the properties.

More than 100 people lodged objections to the scheme, with some speaking at the meeting.

Colin Duke said the site's proximity to a nearby reservoir meant it was "not fit for the development of 180 homes" and claimed the council "doesn't have its act together" when it came to maintaining and monitoring its reservoirs.

He said that were the reservoir to burst its banks the new homes would be in the "zone of destruction".

The council's flood risk manager, Dr Kirsty Breaks Holdsworth, denied claims the authority was ignoring its obligations, pointing out the reservoir was inspected on a regular basis.

She said: "We have to make sure we keep the risk to the reservoir as low as reasonably possible, and we comply with every regulation asked of us."

Councillor Andrew Thornton also spoke to raise concerns, arguing it was "too much development" for the site.

He said if the plans were approved, works to the Abb Scott Lane/Huddersfield Road junction would not be enough to deal with the increased traffic in the area, and suggested Abb Scott Lane be made a 20mph road.

Ms Willis, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said: "There is a substantial shortfall in housing land across Bradford.

"These will be high quality houses. The affordable housing is being made possible by grant funding from Homes England."

Referring to the concerns about flooding, she said: "Bradford Council and Yorkshire Water have reviewed the drainage strategy and have raised no objections."

The plans were approved on the condition that work cannot begin until a full scheme to deal with surface water run-off has been implemented and that regular management and maintenance of any culverts on the site must be carried out.

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