‘Refuse eco-home plan at Oxenhope reservoir’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘Refuse eco-home plan at Oxenhope reservoir’

9:00am Saturday 1st September 2012 in News By Marc Meneaud, Aire Valley Chief Reporter

Controversial plans to build an eco-home on the banks of a reservoir in Bradford district have been recommended for refusal by planning officers following fears it would spoil a picturesque view across the water.

Steve Taylor hopes to build the ultra-modern glass-fronted home next to 19th century terraced cottages near Leeming Reservoir in Oxenhope , Keighley , as a home for him and his family.

However, the proposals have drawn fierce criticism from villagers who started a flyer campaign against the planned development and say that if allowed, the building would destroy the historical appearance of the Leeming Conservation Area.

A report on the plans, which will be discussed by Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel, recommends that councillors throw out the plans.

It reads: “From public views across the water, the development would stand out as incongruous and inappropriate form of development, poorly related to the historic layout of the settlement.”

It continues: “The introduction of any built form on to this site would have a significant negative impact on the character and appearance of the Leeming Conservation Area.”

Richard Cameron-Williams, of Denholme Road, has objected to the scheme.

He said yesterday: “The comments against this were very, very strong to say that it is not at all in keeping with the conservation area.

“I did not even think it would get this far but the hope is now that if councillors refuse this, it will stop building on that site.

“It is an integral part of the character of the area.”

The report dismisses residents’ fears about highway safety and the impact on wildlife and protected species including bats, as well as concerns about drainage from the site.

It also describes the modern home as “innovative” and “high quality”.

Mr Taylor, who will attend the planning panel meeting with his consultant Jo Steel, said he hoped the councillors would go against the planning officers’ recommendations.

“I hope they pass it,” he said. “They have got to look at what is best for the community as a whole.

“Bradford needs 45,000 houses building over the next 16 years and this could go some way to that.

“It is not green belt land and it is an opinion as to whether the building enhances or detracts from the area. In our view it enhances the area because it is architecturally superb.”

The planning panel will meet in the Council chamber at Keighley Town Hall on Wednesday at 10am.