In a previous version of this story, the Telegraph & Argus mentioned Reside Commercial's outline planning application for 12 houses on a field off Woodlands Grove - this was approved in 2018. The newspaper wishes to clarify the company, Reside Commercial, no longer owns the land recently used by another developer to build houses.

Action is likely to be taken against a new housing development after planning officers found it “was not built to the correct specifications”. 

Bradford Council launched an investigation into complaints' over the new builds off Woodlands Grove, Queensbury, earlier this year. 

It came after residents shared their concerns that site's developer had not followed the approved plans.

Now, Bradford South MP Judith Cummins has written to residents to confirm the Council’s intention to take planning enforcement action.

But the pace of the investigation has come under fire - with one councillor sharing his frustration over what he called a “nightmare development”.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Woodlands Grove resident Joanne Royle by the wall built next to existing homes and raised gardens Woodlands Grove resident Joanne Royle by the wall built next to existing homes and raised gardens (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

In the letter sent this August, the Labour MP said: “Apologies for the delay in getting back to you on the important matter of Bradford Council's intended planning enforcement action. Following your call to my office I have been chasing the Department of Place for more information about the intended actions of the department.

“This is following the visit of a planning officer who concluded the development was not built to the correct specifications.

“The department have today issued a response and have offered their apologies for the delay.  Apparently, the planning team are quite short-staffed at the moment and struggling to cover the workload for the whole district.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Frustrated residents by the site of the new builds during mid May 2023

“The strategic director's office have advised that officers are still investigating the ongoing development of the site and have been in contact with residents recently about this. Residents have been advised that they will be updated once a full site survey has been done which will identify any breaches.”

The Telegraph & Argus attempted to contact the developer but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Councillor Alex Mitchell (Lab, Queensbury) said: “I share residents' frustrations with the pace of action over enforcement.

“I have continued to raise this with council officers alongside Cllr [Hazel] Johnson and Judith Cummins MP.

“Residents should not have to live next door to a nightmare development that doesn't respect the long established neighbourhood. 

“I understand the department is trying to get additional resource to deal with the shortage they currently face. Once the survey has been carried out I would hope the pace of enforcement will pick up."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said it deals with more than 1,000 live enforcement cases at any one time.

It is a challenge facing many authorities, the council said.

The spokesperson said: “We're aware of the local concern around this site and have been investigating the situation.

“A survey has been arranged to clarify the details, which is planned to be completed shortly. The information will then be assessed, and the matter will be reviewed regarding the action to be taken.”

The site has long been controversial, with initial proposals attracting numerous objections from neighbours.

It was later approved by members of the Council's Regulatory and Appeals Committee.