A Baildon landowner told a public inquiry yesterday that he wants his land freed from the green belt for a housing development.
John Wilkinson, of Higher Coach Road, Baildon, said the 0.3 hectare site, earmarked as green belt in Bradford Council's proposed replacement Unitary Development Plan, should be made available for a three-house development.
Mr Wilkinson told a Government inspector at the inquiry in Victoria Hall, Saltaire, that any future development would not harm the remaining green belt in the area, unlike larger developments.
The inquiry heard how the land is next to Trench House and Trench Wood Barn, both Grade II listed buildings belonging to Mr Wilkinson.
In response Isha Ahmed, representing Bradford Council, said three previous planning applications by Mr Wilkinson to develop the site had been turned down
Miss Ahmed said two appeals had also been dismissed on the grounds of harm to the green belt and the setting of the listed buildings.
She added Higher Coach Road formed a permanent green belt boundary, separating the housing development to the south of the road, and any change to the boundary could lead to further loss of green space in the future.
Miss Ahmed also said the existing green belt area in the village provided an important backdrop to Saltaire, and the green space would stop buildings spreading towards the World Heritage Site.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article