PLANS for 130 homes on green fields would cause traffic jams and and push already full schools to the limit, say protestors.

An outline application to build the houses at Greengates has been submitted to Bradford Council, but with developers already wanting to build more than 600 homes on nearby sites the suggestion has been met with despair.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: "The green quarter of Greengates is being eradicated.

"It is one of three applications which would see an increase in the number of houses in the area. There are two other major applications for housing there already.

"I'm meeting with local residents on this issue.

"These developments would have an impact on local schools and also cause traffic problems too.

"It's a catch 22 situation. We are at saturation point with schools. They are at full capacity."

But developer AME Properties said the mixture of two to five bedroomed houses, on fields currently used for grazing off Harrogate Road next to St John the Evangelist Church, would help address the district's housing shortfall.

Permission has already been granted for 80 homes at the site of the neighbouring former Stylo shoe factory and a Miller Homes' approved application for 267 homes at Simpson's Green drew 287 objections.

A 270-home development at nearby Cote Farm, Thackley, was recommended for approval in August.

Rupy Hayre from the Apperley Bridge Residents Action Group, which is campaigning against the Simpson's Green development, said: "The land at Harrogate Road is used by local residents all of the time.

"It would be the loss of a local amenity. I have spoken to local residents about it and we will support them."

Cllr Dominic Fear (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) added: "Harrogate Road is already incredibly congested as it is. There is a massive amount of traffic and problems most mornings there."

A planning statement submitted with the application says: "Bradford's identified shortfall in housing supply will be assisted by the delivery of this development.

"This application proposes a high accessible and well designed development that will promote sustainable living and contribute to housing land supply in Bradford."

Adam Key, the director of Savills’ which is working on behalf of the planning applicants, said: "I appreciate the point of view of the residents on traffic issues, but our application is on the basis that the four-way junction at Harrogate Road will be improved very soon.

"Bradford Council have a planning upgrade for that junction.

"The site is already allocated for development. "It’s a very strong site for housing."

Residents have until Friday, February 13 to comment on the plans.

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