DEVELOPERS have set their sights on 155 new homes in Cottingley – 31 of which will be classed as affordable housing.

Plans outlining the new builds have officially been submitted to the Council following a public consultation in August.

The development is destined for the land to the south of March Cote Lane, which has a doctors’ surgery, primary school and pub nearby.

Developer Charles Patchett, who has held the land for a number of years, said he is “proud” to unveil the company’s latest project - mixing open green spaces and housing together.

The land, behind March Cote Lane, was originally signposted for a development of 222 homes back in 2011.

Charles Patchett of Patchett Developments Ltd said: “We are aware of a very acute shortage of local housing and we are proposing to submit a planning application that not only delivers market and affordable housing to meet a local need but also propose very extensive areas of public greenspace to be enjoyed by all local residents.
“We are proud of our local business development achievements and have held this land for a considerable number of years.”

The developer said “radical action” needs to be taken in the push to reach Bradford Council’s targets for new homes.

The council’s current target is 2,476 new homes each year but, under a revised Bradford Local Plan, the district may only need 1,703.

Between 2017 to 2018 the council failed to meet its target by 834 - an action described as “harming our children and grandchildren” by Patchett Developments.
A document accompanying the application reads: “People should be able to expect homes that they want to live in. Our failure to build is harming our children and grandchildren. Radical action to build houses and increase houses is needed once more.

“The United Kingdom’s housing costs are now among the highest on earth, the economic and social impact severe. Since 1970, the average price of a house has risen four and a half fold after inflation.

“People often avoid moving to work in productive sectors because nearby housing is too expensive.”

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said the review of its core strategy is currently out for consultation, proposing lower district-wide housing targets than the current adopted strategy.

The council said: “The proposed core strategy does not allocate any housing sites in Cottingley, however, the review is in its early stages and will be subject to consultation and examination.

“It could be several years before it is formally adopted.”

To have your say on the development, comments can be left on Bradford Council’s planning site.

People can find the plans under the reference, 19/03599/MAO.