PLANS have been submitted to build a further 59 affordable homes on a former cricket field in Bradford.

The application by Newcastle-based Home Group Ltd outlines plans to develop the old Daisy Hill Sports Ground in Heaton, accessed from Hathaway Avenue and Galsworthy Avenue.

Planning consent for 66 new homes on a different part of the same site was granted last year, with the new project bringing the total of houses set to be built by the same developer to 125.

Bradford Council gave its backing to the first wave of homes as the development “provided a residential scheme on an unallocated site”.

If approved, the new houses would consist of 11 one-bedroom flats, 33 two-bedroom houses, and 15 three-bed family homes.

A design and access statement supporting the plans reads: “The proposed elevations of the building are designed to match the context and style of buildings locally in this area of Bradford.

“This proposal will deliver much-needed affordable homes and regenerate the local area.

“The design is in keeping with the local vernacular and will provide a contemporary development on previously developed land.”

But as part of the consultation, West Yorkshire Police has said in a statement that it cannot support the plans in their current form due to some of the footpaths planned for the site being “an ideal location for crime and anti-social behaviour”.

It has also raised concerns over lighting and security arrangements at the development.

Sport England has also refused to back the plans, given the loss of a playing field when “demand for cricket provision far outstrips supply in Bradford”.

It has submitted a “holding objection” to the application, stating that the proposal provides “no certainty” in its promise to replace the ground elsewhere.

But, a supporting statement compiled on behalf of Cross Roads and Daisy Hill Cricket Club (DHCC) states that “the club wishes to sell the site for residential development, with the capital receipt reinvested to provide new and improved playing facilities”.

The club, which left the ground in 2007 and is currently playing in Shipley, states: “The land in question formed part of the pitch, not the whole pitch.

"Sections of the outfield were allocated for residential dwelling houses and are currently being developed. For this reason, the pitch cannot be reinstated.

“The club is currently in negotiations to secure the use of a cricket ground in the West Bradford area.

“The club will invest in a high-quality cricket pitch, and planning consent will be sought for a new clubhouse. Securing the sale of the Daisy Hill ground will enable this to take place.”

The Council is set to make a decision on the plans by August 4.