A mountain of construction earth which Bradford residents say has become a major eyesore could stay on site for years.

Plant hire company Thomas Crompton, based in West Bowling, wants permission to remove the spoil heap gradually, despite concerns from residents and councillors that it is a blot on the landscape.

Most of the earth was dug from the stalled Broadway site in Bradford city centre.

Thomas Crompton Developments Ltd had initially been set to use the earth at the business’s recycling park, to build a £45million recycling centre.

But its plans were thrown out by the Council, causing the company to lose £750,000, Thomas Crompton said.

Two enforcement notices and a breach of condition notice have now been served on Thomas Crompton Developments in relation to the work to prepare the area for the planned recycling centre, including the spoil heap.

Councillor John Robertshaw (Con, Bowling and Barkerend), said: “It is an eyesore. The Bradford East area office has made many requests for them to address this mountain of earth.

"We would like to see the reducing of this mountain as soon as possible.”

Thomas Crompton Developments Ltd sent out letters to people in neighbouring streets earlier this month, to tell them about the panning application.

The company has levelled the ground where the Thomas Crompton House office block stood and is seeking retrospective permission for the work. The proposed recycling centre planned for a 23-acre area known as the Barnard Metals site was thrown out by the Bradford Area Planning Panel.

Mr Crompton said: “I had a meeting with the Council where it was agreed we would store the construction material on site to be used in our development of a waste transfer system, but Bradford Council turned that down.

“We are going to have another go in the future and would use it if successful."

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