PLANS have been lodged to transform redundant land at Esholt waste water treatment works in Bradford into one of the most sustainable industrial and residential developments in the country.

Yorkshire Water and sister company Keyland Developments Ltd believes their proposals would deliver a host of economic, social and environmental benefits through homes, employment and open space.

The operational footprint of the 32 acre water treatment works site has reduced significantly in recent years due to technological advances - leaving large areas now unused.

It is this land that has been earmarked for a scheme that would include both 150 new homes and 100,000m2 of sustainable work spaces with a particular focus on bio-tech businesses.

It would also focus on industries that can make the most of heat, power and water generated by the treatment works to maximise sustainability.

Luke Axe, planning manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, said: “We have always known that Esholt has the potential to be one of the most significant developments in the UK, so to be at the stage where we are submitting our plans for this innovative sustainable development is incredibly exciting.

“We have worked extremely hard with our valued project team over the last few months, undertaking extensive public consultations and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the plans will enable Esholt to reach its potential and deliver far reaching social, environmental and economic benefits. This development demonstrates how sustainability can drive design and we are looking forward to being able to deliver this ambitious project.”

In a design and access statement accompanying the plans, which have now been lodged with Bradford Council, describes the estate as "a scarred historic site waiting to be reinvented" and outlines how the firm's masterplan "will tap into the richness of the surrounding landscape and the site's history to stitch the site back into its landscape".

"It is our ambition to transform the site into a vibrant, highly sustainable and innovative place for people to live, work and play - a beacon of positive living."

The plan also describes how the industrial element would address the "shortage of employment space in the surrounding area for growing Bradford businesses or relocating companies".

The housing proposals would offer a variety of different sized homes, "led by the drive to create an exemplar residential development which will be one of the most sustainable in the UK".