Menston homes protesters to seek judicial review (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Campaigners fight on over housing plans

8:00am Monday 6th August 2012 in News By Jonathan Redhead , Ilkley/Otley Reporter

Campaigners will seek a judicial review if plans for 300 homes in their village are fully approved.

Proposals by developer Barratt Homes for 174 new houses at Derry Hill, Menston , and by Taylor Wimpey for up to 135 homes in Bingley Road, Menston, have been granted planning permission, subject to Section 106 agreements being drawn up with Bradford Council, Discussions are continuing about the agreements, which cover aspects of a proposed scheme, such as highways, recreational facilities, education, health and ‘affordable’ housing elements, to make it acceptable in planning terms. But Menston Action Group (MAG), which objects to both schemes, is vowing it will turn to the courts if full permission is eventually granted.

MAG has been objecting to the proposals since they were first submitted to the Council in September, 2010, and was disappointed in February when the Council’s Shipley Area Planning Panel decided to permit development on both sites subject to conditions.

However, a statement on the group’s website says it wants a judicial review.

“Planning permission has not been officially granted as the conditions have not yet been agreed,” the statement says. “As soon as the permission is granted, we will immediately request a judicial review of the whole planning procedure undertaken by Bradford Council and the evidence presented by the developers in respect of both Derry Hill and Bingley Road.”

Meanwhile, MAG say it is also confident of success in a public inquiry over Village Green status for Derry Hill, which starts next Monday, August 13, at the Kirklands Community Centre.

In order for Village Green status to be granted, an applicant has to prove a site has been used by residents for two decades for recreation, sports and games.

MAG believes it has a good chance of proving its case to an independent inspector at the inquiry.

“We have instructed a barrister experienced in these matters to conduct our case,” the group says.