Long-running plans for a housing development were due to go before a planning sub-committee yesterday afternoon.

Bradford based Corinthian Develop-ment wants to develop housing on land formerly occupied by Monarch Mills, to the western side of Halifax Road at Denholme Gate. The company is seeking permission to build 35 new homes on the site, which it owns. This would include 22 town houses and 13 detached homes, constructed in a traditional style.

The area has been subject to numerous planning applications since the original Monarch Mills building was destroyed by fire in the mid 1980s. When the council unveiled its Unitary Development Plan (UDP), its land-use blueprint, in Novem-ber 1993, the land at Monarch Mills was earmarked for future housing development, even though it was registered as green belt.

Although there were no objections, a UDP inspector felt the council should reconsider the principle of flooding green-belt land at Denholme Gate with new housing. The council accordingly dropped the application for housing on the site and requested the area remain as green belt.

Before its latest application was made, Corinthian Developments challenged Bradford council's adoption of the UDP in the High Court. The case has been adjourned to allow the current planning application to be pursued.

Although the site is still classified as green belt, there is a ruling which allows green belt land to be developed under special circumstances. Due to the overgrown and derelict nature of the site, planning officials agreed in 1985 and 1990 that a well regulated housing development would actually enhance the area.

Planning officers say that under UDP policy the site is still suitable for housing development under special circumstances. After discussion with Corinthian Development's agent, Chris Eyres Design, the council's proposal has now been amended to an application for outline planning permission. Approval is likely to be reliant on a number of conditions such as the use of natural stone and slate for construction, and limiting the houses at the top of the site to one storey. The question of safe access to the busy A629 Halifax Road and traffic fears are also factors to be addressed.

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