A PLANNING inquiry into the building of 500 homes on greenbelt land should be held at a local venue and not in Bradford, Burley in Wharfedale residents say.

They have the backing of a local councillor and Shipley MP Philip Davies who said a decision by the Council to hold the inquiry at Bradford’s City Hall instead of a local venue was an insult to his constituents who would be affected by the build.

Councillor Jackie Whiteley (Con, Wharfedale) has also written to senior planning officers at the council to request the inquiry is held at the Queens Hall in Burley to enable as many local residents as possible to attend. She was told last week the cost of hiring the hall and officers’ travelling time prevented this.

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Cllr Whiteley, who is also a member of Burley in Wharfedale Parish Council, wrote to the parish council chairman asking for the fee for the Queens Hall to be wavered and at a meeting on Tuesday night this was agreed. She has now written again to Bradford Council to advise of the decision and asking for them to reconsider.

She said: “I think it is outrageous that Bradford Council may not hold the meeting in the village which is to be affected by the decision. Residents want to hear what is said and contribute. After all planning officers travel the length and breadth of the district to do their job. Now they say it will cost too much. They need to car share or come in a bus to save money or on the train! Residents are telling me the decision is designed to hinder participation and I have to agree. A huge barrier has been lifted and I hope to receive a positive decision.”

The upcoming inquiry is happening following government intervention over the plans to build on greenbelt at Sun Lane. Last summer Local Government Secretary James Brokenshire “called in” the planned scheme, which meant the decision to allow the build was taken out of Bradford Council’s hands and given to the Planning Inspectorate.

Mr Davies said: “I have been campaigning for this meeting to be held locally as it is only right it is held in the area where the build could be.

“It is unacceptable to expect people affected by the development to travel into the city centre when there are suitable locations nearer where the meeting could be held. This will cost them money whether on public transport or by car.

“These residents are the people that matter and I expect these are the people the Planning Inspectorate are expecting to hear from, not residents of the city centre. By choosing City Hall as a venue it once again gives the impression to my constituents that Bradford Council are not interested in anything they have to say.”

Mr Davies has opposed the development since it the proposal was submitted to the council. He added: “It was clear from the outset that this proposal was wrong. Building on land at Sun Lane and Ilkley Road was never going to meet the demand for housing in the city centre and the council seem to be forgetting this is greenbelt. Planning policy is clear on building on greenbelt.”

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We have received MP Philip Davies’ request and are exploring options to hold the inquiry in Burley in Wharfedale.

“This includes working with Burley Parish Council to see if we can hold it in Queens Hall.

“Practical considerations including refurbishment works taking place at the hall, capacity of the space and any additional costs involved are being taken into account.

“The public inquiry has been set for 14 May and is expected to last up to eight days.”