The new Unitary Development Plan for Bradford is a radical step in the right direction. For years the T&A has been calling for "brownfield" sites and areas of derelict or seriously run-down housing to be cleared to make way for new homes and small businesses.

It is a vital move to encourage more people to live close to the city centre, helping to bring it back to life, and hopefully live closer to where they work, reducing the need for travel on the district's congested roads.

The last UDP set out to produce 7,000 new homes, virtually all on green-belt land. The development as a result of that has cut huge swathes out of the countryside - usually much to the annoyance and sometimes real distress of the residents already living nearby.

This change of heart has come too late to save areas like Gilstead, Thackley, Wilsden, Apperley Bridge and Silsden from being overwhelmed with new housing. However, there will be some rejoicing today at Baildon where the controversial plan to build on Jenny Lane has been dropped, leaving the site as playing fields.

The proposal to redevelop the Thornton Road corridor with homes and businesses should help to revitalise that presently rather desolate part of inner-city Bradford and, with the co-operation of the police, put an end to its current reputation as a major red-light area.

It is this sort of intelligent application of the spirit of the UDP which is needed if new building over the next 15 years is to enhance and benefit all the district.