A COUNCILLOR has called for controversial plans for houses at a ‘wildlife haven’ to go before Bradford Council’s planning committee.

Plans have been submitted for two three-bedroom homes on a patch of land in Aire Street, Thackley. Plans have also been submitted for four car parking spaces on a small plot of land.

Aire Street residents also say the proposed properties would have an impact on overshadowing neighbouring properties.

The applicants have previously been given outline planning permission by the Council for one house at the site.

Normally, the decision to approve or refuse planning permission for such an application would be taken by a planning officer who has delegated powers to act on behalf of the Council.

But Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said she was calling for it to go before the Council’s planning committee due to the level of public objection and concern over the two houses.

“Had they gone for a single dwelling, they could have saved the tree and the drystone wall,” she said.

“Cramming as much as they can on the site with a particularly unattractive design shows an arrogance too.”

Cllr Sunderland also supported residents’ concerns on being overlooked. She said: “Some of the residents could be overlooked by the houses too.

“It would have been possible to just put one house on the site and still have space for the trees.”

Charles Calvert, director of applicants Calvert and Woodward, said: “I can take trees and the walls down because I own the land. It was dangerous before.

“There was no tree preservation order there. It is my land and I can do what I want.”

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “All the representations we have received will be seriously considered and taken into account before any decision on this application is made.”

The piece of land is also viewed by residents as a haven for wildlife, with a blackberry bush, hawthorn and a 100-year-old horse chestnut tree.

They say it attracts bats, dormice and birds, including blue tits, sparrows, blackbirds and magpies.

An unnamed resident, of Hyde Street, Thackley, wrote on the Council’s planning application website: “The proposed site is a haven of wildlife and greenery with blackberries and hawthorn and a mature horse chestnut tree.

“The proposed area of the build is a pleasant green wooded space and is home to hedgehogs, squirrels and a wide variety of birds.”

Alyson Boote, 49, of Aire Street, said: “I was really upset when the trees were taken down. It’s just a complete mess and was completely flattened.

“We are sad, frustrated and angry that the trees have been taken down before it has been approved. The land does not even look large enough for one house, let alone two.

“To have two three-storey homes built there is unthinkable. Two houses there would not add anything to the area, but become a light-blocking eyesore.”