A DEVELOPER wanting to build 70 homes on a site in Clayton is to consult local residents remotely after the coronavirus pandemic meant it had to cancel a face-to-face event.

Barratt Homes in asking people living close to the land north west of Westminster Drive to provide feedback on their proposals, ahead of the company submitting a formal planning application to Bradford Council.

Instead of the usual public consultation event, which had been scheduled to take place at Clayton Village Hall, the firm is having to rely on leaflets and feedback forms sent out to residents, as well as a project website, where people can view the plans.

The land near Westminster Drive in the village has previously been designated as future development land in Bradford's Unitary Development Plan.

The north eastern part of the allocation is also currently being developed by Barratt Homes into three and four bedroom homes in a development called Spring Valley View.

This latest proposed housing scheme will offer two, three and four-bedroom family homes, including affordable houses. A large number of jobs will also be created during construction.

Mark Jones, head of planning at Barratt Homes, said: “Bradford Council has recognised the need for new housing across the borough to meet its current and future housing needs.

“The site to the north-west of Westminster Road has been safeguarded as future development land by the Council so has accepted it is suitable in principle for housing development.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and visit the website. Our original consultation included a public exhibition at Clayton village hall, but this was understandably cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus situation, and we have switched to a ‘virtual consultation’ so we can get feedback from the community about the proposals.”

The website itself adds: "Our aim is to create communities where people aspire to live. In order to do this, we work with our stakeholders in order to continually improve the standards of our developments.

"Communities where people aspire to live cannot be created without engagement of the local people; listening and taking on board their views whilst balancing this with the needs and wants of the Local Planning Authority and the viability of the project to ensure a tangible legacy can be left.

Visit barratthomes-clayton.co.uk where the masterplan and further information can be found. Questions can be directed to the consultation hotline on 0800 089 0362.