BRADFORD East MP Imran Hussain has waded in to oppose a massively controversial planning application to build houses on Idle Moor.

Labour MP Mr Hussain has written to the chief executive of developer Gleeson Homes urging his company to withdraw the plans for 45 homes.

Mr Hussain said there is “clearly no appetite from the local community for this development” and also cited issues raised by Bradford Council’s Highways department about a lack of safe or suitable access to the site.

Gleeson Homes has submitted plans to build 45 homes on Idle Moor, on land west of Kenstone Crescent in Idle.

Submitted in September 2021, the application has attracted 871 comments from the public in objection to the plans, and just two comments supporting it.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Idle MoorIdle Moor

In his letter, Mr Hussain said he was writing regarding the “very serious concerns” of constituents over the plans.

He said: “Idle Moor is a very successful natural community area that is well used for a range of pursuits such as family activities, children’s play, and dog walking.

“Over the last year and a half, it has been absolutely invaluable to the physical health and mental well-being of our communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As such, it should be cherished and preserved, and it is clear from the 857 [sic] objections already submitted that many residents have the same view.”

He pointed out Idle Moor was removed from the Bradford District Local Plan last year as a rejected site due to concerns over access, and said the Highways department’s response to the plans “re-confirms these concerns”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: More than 800 objections have been made against the plansMore than 800 objections have been made against the plans

In the Highways response, it says the department would be unable to support the plans due to concerns over highway safety, adding: “The proposal does not provide safe and suitable vehicular and pedestrian access.”

Mr Hussain added: “There is clearly no appetite from the local community for this development and it seems clear that the access concerns expressed by Bradford Council earlier this year simply have not been taken into consideration.

“As such, I now urgently press Gleeson to withdraw the unthought through planning application to ensure the local community permanently retain their valuable green space.”

Residents have been up in arms about the possible loss of Idle Moor, worried about the green space disappearing and pressure on local amenities.

Previously, Gleeson Homes said the loss of green space would be “small” and it would maintain corridors of open space.

They also said there are “no justifiable transport related reasons” it has identified why the project cannot be approved, and it has been “carefully designed to become a sustainable part of the local community”.

No decision has been made yet by Bradford Council on the application.