THERE are fears people will be like "sardines in a can" if a new development of nearly 70 homes is given the go ahead.

Bierley residents have been braced for housing plans in the rural Spen View Lane area after Freedom of Information requests to Bradford Council revealed Keepmoat and Countryside UK had submitted pre-application enquiries for the Lockwood Farm site.

Keepmoat's full application for 67 houses has now been submitted to the Council, prompting objectors to step up a fresh battle to fend off developers' plans.

It's a case of deja vu for campaigners. Back in 2018, plans to build 116 houses on the site were approved - despite a huge swell of objection.

Although committee members raised concerns about the proposed development’s impact on local schools, roads, and even worries about possible mine shafts on the site, they said there was no planning reason to refuse the scheme, and if they did the applicant would likely win any appeal.

The application was submitted by John and Norma Brooksbank/ Driver Blackshaw Holdings and Mrs N. Driver, but was later withdrawn.

The site now appears to be firmly back in the spotlight with the submission of a fresh application.

Matt Edwards, Green Party campaigner for the area, said: “This week, residents living in South Bierley have seen two planning applications submitted that are going to have a big impact on the community in the area – the first stage of the crematorium and now these plans.

“Shetcliffe Lane is only a narrow road and especially at the Bierley Lane side this could have a really big impact on what is already a busy junction. Not only that but more houses here will see an increase on traffic going down the lanes to the motorway and even people cutting through Bierley itself to try and avoid traffic.

“The Council has rightly talked about trying to make new housing developments less dependent on cars and I really don’t see how this fits in with this agenda."

Objectors have quickly taken to the Council's planning site to share their frustration at the development.

Avril Peel wrote: "More and more homes on as little land as possible, sardines in a can spring to mind. Where are the families who buy these homes going to find school places, doctors, dentists and space on the road to even put a car never mind drive it about."

She said Shetcliffe Lane is "slowly being turned into a race track".

Karen Lister said the infrastructure is not in place for the housing proposed.

"Bierley in general can't cope with the amount of traffic already, let alone the building wagons and then the amount of extra vehicles once built. Shetcliffe Lane and surrounding roads would be accidents waiting to happen."

Taras Stefanyszyn has urged the developers for a face-to-face meeting with residents as soon as possible.

Documents submitted with the application say the development will be : "A well designed place which will complement the existing character of Bierley; a new place for sustainable family living; a range of high quality homes and affordable housing; best practice in urban, landscape and ecological design in order to create a high quality development."

Search 20/00174/MAF at planning.bradford.gov.uk/