A DEVELOPMENT in Bradford could lead to some of the most environmentally friendly homes in Yorkshire.

Three crumbling buildings in Oakenshaw will be transformed into near zero carbon houses by Yorkshire based developers Pure Haus if the new scheme is approved by Bradford Council.

And the company hopes it is the first of many eco-developments that could transform the housing market in the area.

Plans to redevelop empty homes at 1 - 3 Sugden Street were first approved by Bradford Council in 2017, but Pure Haus are now completely re-drawing the proposals for the site, and have submitted new plans to Bradford Council.

The properties will include features such as rainwater harvesting, renewable energy on the site and insulation meaning very little heat is lost.

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As well as being environmentally friendly, it will have low energy consumption for future residents.

The buildings currently on the site have been empty for over 15 years, and are overgrown with vegetation.

They will be replaced by houses that meet the “passive haus” standard - an internationally recognised standard meaning homes use very little energy for heating and cooling.

And the director of Pure Haus hopes the development will be the “start of a movement.”

The Leeds based company says they have a “moral obligation to protect the environment for future generations” and the homes they develop will have a minimal carbon footprint.

They will be built in a Scandanavian style to German principles, with a “Yorkshire stamp.”

The company is also behind a development called Pure Springs in Halifax.

Discussing the plans for the homes in Oakenshaw, Kevin Pratt, director of Pure Haus, said: “The houses are surrounded by five acres of land - it is very rural but it is still close to an urban area.

“The homes will be built on a concrete foundation, there will be triple pane glazing and even the handles on the door will be made of materials other than metal so heat is not lost to the outside.”

He said the company were happy their first project would be in the West Yorkshire area.

The company is the first developer in the North of England to produce certified “passive house’s” for sale on the property market.

Mr Pratt added: “I think the people who end up living in these homes will be very proud to know they will be producing zero carbon emissions.

“We believe this is going to be the start of a movement.”

The plans have been sent to Bradford Council.

It comes as Bradford Council has come under increased pressure to reduce carbon emissions in the district.

Earlier this year the Council declared a “climate emergency” - agreeing to work harder to reduce pollution.

And last year the Council was given a ministerial direction to improve air quality in the district. Work is currently being done on an air quality management plan. And a public consultation into air quality began this week.