PROPOSALS to demolish a bungalow in Idle and build nine houses in its place have been approved.

A planning application, submitted by Nigel Barraclough this summer, to replace 55 Westfield Lane with a new development of four bedroom homes, was given the green light by Bradford Council last week.

The application said: "A development proposal has been produced which the applicant believes will successfully complement the character and appearance of the locality."

The site is near the Idle Conservation Area, and the application claimed the housing would "create a real sense of place and identity within the wider urban context whilst taking into account the conservation area."

Approving the scheme last week, planning officers said: "There is an urgent need to increase the supply of housing land in the District, and this scheme would make a contribution to that need.

Plan for 26 homes on field off Westfield Lane, Idle, approved

"Local planning authorities should encourage the effective use of land by re-using land that has previously been developed.

"The application site involves the development of the site of no.55 Westfield Lane and the associated curtilage. This would therefore be classed as  previously developed ('brownfield') land. The proposal is therefore deemed acceptable in principle."

Last year plans for 26 houses on a plot of land behind this site were also approved by Bradford Council.