Traffic on Toller Lane compared to 'Wacky Races'

A planning panel were discussing an application to expand a property on Toller Lane when reference was made to the high levels of traffic on the road.

Highways officers had raised concerns over the proposals to extent 72 Toller Lane, claiming parking in the area was inadequate.

The plans, submitted by a Mr Kamran, would see the two-bedroom end terrace house expanded to turn it into a six bedroom house, as well as creating a separate office

At Thursday's meeting, Councillors convinced Mr Kamran to withdraw the plans, saying if he didn't they would "have no choice" but to refuse them.

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Highways officers had said the increased size of the proposed property, along with the new office space, would require at least three off street parking spaces. They added: "The proposal provides no off street parking in an area already experiencing significant demand for on-street parking.

"Furthermore, the site is located at the junction of this unadopted highway with Lower Westfield Road and Toller Lane. Overspill parking close to this junction would be likely to lead to conditions prejudicial to highway safety where Toller Lane is a busy classified road."

They recommended Councillors refuse the plans.

Mr Kamran told members that the extension was needed for his growing family. He said he would use the office himself.

He said: "There has been a lot of support for the plan. It will eliminate the issue of youths loitering around the corner."

Planning officers pointed out that the office had no access to the house, and had to be considered as separate to the domestic aspect of the plans. Mr Kamran was asked why the office was totally separate, despite the fact that he planned to use it. He said he did not want his children to interrupt while he was working.

Officers pointed out the office could be sold on as a separate business in the future, and there was no way to guarantee that it would only ever be used by residents of the house.

Councillor Paul Sullivan (Cons, Bingley Rural), said: "I understand the growing family aspect, but in the long term this will enhance the value of the property.

"I went up Toller Lane the other day and the traffic there is like Wacky Races. There is a safety aspect to this application."

He was referring to the 1960s cartoon that featured colourful characters such as Penelope Pitstop, the Ant Hill Mob and Dick Dastardly taking part in street races using bizarre, souped up vehicles.

On an odd aside, Chair Councillor Shabir Hussain (Lab, Manningham) revealed he had once been invited into the property for a cup of tea by its elderly former owner.

Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor) said: "A lot of businesses in this area don't have any parking. If they all came before this committee today I think 75 per cent of them would be refused. This is just a small office."

Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab, Tong) said: "My advice would be to withdraw this and re-submit an amended plan. I don't think we have any choice but to go with officers' recommendations."

Cllr Hussain urged Mr Kamran to withdraw the plans and come back with an amended scheme - possibly with a door linking the office to the house. He added: "If you're so worried about being disturbed while working you can lock the door, and then you're children can't interfere."

The plans were then withdrawn.