Residents object to plan for new gated residence in Baildon

Halliday Clark Architects has submitted a proposal to Baildon Town Council (BTC) to demolish a large house on Ardyng Nook, West Lane, Baildon where 11, four or five-bedroom, detached homes with gardens and parking will be built.

Ardyng Nook, West Lane, Baildon could be demolished for new gated residence. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The site is currently accessed via West Lane, with alternative access via Stubbings Road and is located between the northern bank of the Aire Valley, between Shipley Glen, Baildon Bank, and Baildon Moor, with links to the heritage site of Saltaire. 

At this stage, BTC has not objected to the application as it recognises the ‘need’ for new homes in Baildon but has raised concerns about the biodiversity report, especially the loss of trees and open water.

The application has been met with objection from dozens of people in the area.

The property was built before the 1900s and, in the consultee comments, it is stated: “Ardyng Nook is a building of interest and BTC would like to see it retained as part of the development.”

Ten of the new properties would be open-market properties and one would be an affordable housing property.

Planning application to demolish site of 'interest'. Image: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

According to the plans: “All proposed dwellings are two storeys with private parking and garages for each property. All proposed dwellings are situated on generous plots with large gardens.”

A number of constraints have influenced the plans, including protected trees, an existing watercourse, and an underground drainage basin, which have all been factored into the design for the layout of the properties.

The landscaping of the properties leaves room for ‘ample’ garden space as the application highlights post-pandemic, outdoor spaces are becoming more important.

A private communal garden has also been included in the plans, near the West Lane end of the estate as well as further privacy accommodated by the protected trees in the area.

The report highlights that a pedestrian path will be created through the trees to link the eastern and western parts of the site.

Primary access to the site will be via a new vehicular access from West Lane.

The proposed development will be a private gated development with electric-powered gates to both the West Lane and Stubbings Road accesses, with separate dedicated access gates for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Representations can be made online via the planning system.