A decision vital to our green roots (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

A decision vital to our green roots

8:36am Monday 20th February 2012 in Our View

The site of the proposed massive housing estate planned at Sty Lane, Micklethwaite, is one of the last low-lying green spaces along the Aire Valley that is undeveloped.

That is why the outcome of the planning appeal starting tomorrow is so vitally important. Allowing this scheme would be a kick in the teeth to those who have passionately opposed this scheme and it would give further weight to the belief that there is little point in Bradford Council rejecting schemes like this, as they will always be granted on appeal.

If allowed, it would massively impact on the infrastructure of the area. The Aire Valley is already extremely congested, with horrendous delays on the roads and no sign of any funding available to relieve the jams – even if there was a credible scheme to do so on the cards. Allowing 440 new homes – housing almost 2,000 people – would make an already difficult situation much, much worse.

It would also generate enormous pressure on overcrowded schools. The area is already crying out for a new secondary school, with Bingley Grammar bursting at the seams, so how will it cope with the influx of children from housing on this scale?

The road infrastructure around the proposed site is also poor. It’s not just about replacing the existing swing bridge with a double-track bridge, it is the road leading from Crossflatts – effectively a single-track road – which will simply not be able to cope.

This land should never have been allocated for housing development and this is the planning inspector’s opportunity to right a wrong many people feel passionately about – and at the same time, demonstrate that there is no presumption in favour of development if it rides roughshod over the hopes and beliefs of local people.