A DECISION on a major housing development in the South of Bradford has been deferred until the new year.

At a meeting this morning members of Bradford Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee was due to decide whether to approve a development of 150 homes for rent on land to the south of Rooley Crescent, off Rooley Avenue in Odsal.

The plans have proved controversial, with almost 150 people objecting to the scheme.

And Council planning officers had recommended members refuse the plans, by Caddick Land, saying they could interfere with a planned park and ride scheme that was proposed for a neighbouring piece of land.

The proposed scheme aims to reduce congestion on Bradford’s streets by allowing people coming into the city from the M606 to park on Council owned land off Staithgate Lane. They would then be able to travel into the city centre via bus. 

The car park would have space for around 500 vehicles.

Housing development could halt park and ride plans - Councillors to be told

Officers had said these housing plans would "sterilise" the park and ride project, limiting vehicle access to the planned site.

A number of objectors attended yesterday's meeting in City Hall. Before the Committee's discussion started, members were told that last minute amended plans had been submitted to the Council.

Committee members said it was important that Councillor officers and the public have the opportunity to look at these amended plans before any decision was made.

Members voted to defer their decision until officers could pore over the amended plans.

Chair Councillor David Warburton (Lab, Wyke) said: "I am very concerned about the lateness of this new information.

"It is important that all information for a planning application is available so officers and the public can get a full view of the scheme."

He said every resident who objected to the scheme needed to be informed of the changes, and that the plans come back to the committee no later than March.