Share views on housing plan for green space in Tong area

The past decade has seen sections of land in the Tong and Fulneck Valley repeatedly named as potential locations for new housing in the Local Plan.

It is part of the Government’s requirement for Bradford Council to find land for 2,089 new homes every single year.

Now, a developer has launched a public consultation for a mixed-use development – featuring a new ‘neighbourhood centre’ - on a large section of land at Westgate Hill in Tong, stating in a leaflet that “the site is allocated for this development in Bradford Council’s draft Local Plan". 

A large section of land at Westgate Hill in the Tong area has been allocated for a mixed-use development site (Image: Mike Simmonds) It covers the grassy areas seen from Booth Holme Farm, Cross Lane End, the back of Lane End Farm, and part of Tong Lane.

The new residential area is set to be built by Hallam Land, part of Henry Boot - one of the UK’s biggest developers.

They claim the development “represents a significant opportunity to meet local housing need whilst providing quality homes in a sustainable location”.

A large section of land at Westgate Hill in the Tong area has been allocated for a mixed use development site (Image: Mike Simmonds) The developer has promised “significant areas of public open space” and easy access to cycling, walking and bus routes.

Residents are being asked for their views on the plans before the consultation ends on November 29.

On its dedicated website for Westgate Hill, the developer said: “In accordance with the Council’s planning and economic growth strategy a new, high-quality and sustainable neighbourhood is proposed at the application site.

"This can accommodate up to 1,000 new homes, a new school, new neighbourhood centre and up to 95,000 sqft of employment floorspace as part of this development. We would welcome your thoughts on this.”

A view of the site from Booth Holme Close (Image: Mike Simmonds) It added: “The development will provide acres of new, accessible and managed open and green spaces for all to enjoy.

“As well as providing safe places to walk and cycle, it is envisaged that the development will include a variety of informal play spaces for a range of ages across the site.

“Extensive new planting across the site including new parkland, wetlands and woodlands alongside the management of the Westgate Hill plantation.

A large section of land at Westgate Hill in the Tong area has been allocated for a mixed use development site (Image: Mike Simmonds) “It would include a range of house types and tenures, providing homes for first-time buyers, growing families, the elderly and those looking to downsize, as well as affordable homes to meet local needs.”

To cope with demand for school places, a new primary school will be built at the edge of the site while “financial contributions” are expected to be offered towards nursery and secondary schools “required to cater for the increase in pupils”.

At the heart of the proposed development site is a neighbourhood centre designed to complement those who live in the area.

The developer said: “Initial thoughts on the types of uses this could include are local shops such as a convenience store and bakers, flexible community space, places to eat and drink, a pharmacy and/or a nursery.”

Residents Iain and Dianne McInnes live next to the proposed development site at Westgate Hill (Image: Mike Simmonds)The new development would be a big change for Iain and Dianne McInnes who live next to the land. 

They reached out to Green Party Councillor Celia Hickson about their concerns.

The Tong councillor said: “This is an incredibly large area of countryside, most of which is in the Green Belt. The Tong Valley provides a vital habitat for a lot of wild animals.

“We know a lot of residents are extremely worried about the impact this proposal will have on traffic. The A650 at Tong Street and Westgate Hill Street is one of the most congested roads in the North of England."

She said it is not the "right place to build the houses our district desperately needs" and said the focus should be on redeveloping the city centre and Southern Gateway.

The consultation period runs until November 29, 2024. To share your views on the Westgate Hill proposal visit https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/29QTYBX 

Views sharing the consultation stage will be taken into account for the planning application.