Anger over plans for 48 new homes in Clayton Heights

Johnson Mowat has announced plans to submit a planning application to Bradford Council for a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes on land off Highgate Grove.

If approved, the developer would create a new road looping through the existing estate on Highgate Grove, and off-street parking with visitor spaces. 

It has sparked outrage amongst residents on Highgate Grove, Highgate Close and Lingfield Terrace.

But a spokesperson for Johnson Mowat said it is a response to the “particularly prevalent” housing crisis. 

Snippet of the consultation document for homes on land off Highgate Grove, Clayton Heights, provided on www.johnsonmowat.co.uk (Image: www.johnsonmowat.co.uk)

Speaking about the use of greenbelt land, Margaret Weatherhead, who has lived on Highgate Grove with her husband Mike since 1977, said: “It’s only gradual but the thin edge of the wedge.

“It drops down into the valley. We can see Baildon Moor. We have a spectacular view. We wouldn’t be able to see any of it because of the houses.”

Mrs Weatherhead said traffic congestion is the cause of most concern to residents. 

She said: “Most people have two cars these days, some have three, so we’re talking about 100 cars going around this road, which we shall be an island in the middle to it.

“Most people have petrol or diesel cars. We’ve got very clean air up here."

Wasi Rashid, who has lived on Highgate Grove with his wife since 2021, said the development would lead to traffic queues exiting their streets before entering the Clean Air Zone. 

He said: “The junction at Lingfield Terrace and Highgate Road is difficult to negotiate at the best of times.

“Residents have paid a premium to live here."

View from the greenbelt land involved in the housing proposal. Photo taken by local resident Lee Robson (Image: Lee Robson)

In response, Richard Mowat, of Johnson Mowat which is acting for Aura Land, said: “The UK housing crisis is one of the most significant societal issues affecting this country. 

“A lack of available housing – particularly affordable housing – has resulted in rent and house prices rising sharply over many decades. 

“The housing crisis is particularly prevalent in Bradford, where there is a shortfall of circa. 10,375 homes; measured against current housing targets. 

“Quite simply Bradford needs to build more homes. 

“This site is a Preferred Option in the emerging Local Plan, and will deliver a compliant mix of market and affordable homes. 

“This is a well-designed scheme that positively contributes to the character and appearance of the local area. To the north of the site additional land has been set aside for ecological purposes, with Futures Ecology confirming a 10.51 per cent increase in Biodiversity Net Gain.”