Campaigners object to plans for 155 Cottingley homes

An outline application to build 155 houses on land west of Lysander Way and south of March Cote Lane in Cottingley is pending consideration, according to Bradford Council planning documents.

A decision on the long-standing plans, which were submitted in August 2019, has yet to be determined and this has upset local greenbelt campaigners who have met with Shipley MP Philip Davies to discuss the issue.

Bradford Council has said major planning applications take time to determine and the agent for the developer has said the applicant is keen to meet with the Council to address outstanding matters.

“Our resolve to oppose this long-outstanding application is as strong as ever,” said Stuart Eteson, chair of the Cottingley Greenbelt Conservation Group.

“The location is completely unsuitable and officers from the Local Flood Authority and Highways agree with us the area cannot cope with the additional traffic which would be created by the housing and up to an additional 300 vehicles.”

Mr Davies, a long-standing objector to greenbelt development, said: “It is completely unacceptable for anyone to seek to build a housing estate on this precious part of the greenbelt.

“There is no point in having land designated as greenbelt if it is then developed.

“The local community in Cottingley is absolutely right to fight to save their local environment and they will have my full support every step of the way.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “Major planning applications such as this can be very complex and take some time to determine.

“We are in recent receipt of amended plans which are currently being assessed by the Highways Team.

“Additional comments from Yorkshire Water are expected in the near future to clarify any concerns remaining in regard to the drainage and flood risk position.

“The above must be addressed prior to any recommendation being made.”

Attempts were made by the T&A to reach the agent for comment.

Richard Mowat, director of JohnsonMowat planning consultants and agent for the applicant, explained in a letter to Bradford Council how they intend to address outstanding matters of drainage, layout and highways, including the proposed signalisation of the nearby double mini roundabout.

In the letter, Mr Mowat writes: "At all stages, the applicant is seeking to be proactive rather than reactive.

"Under this mantra, the applicant is keen to meet with the Council to discuss these final matters in much more detail."