A gabbioned wall built as part of a new housing development has been dubbed a monstrosity which should be pulled down.

That is the view of objectors who claim that much of the work on a housing site at Long Lee has been done without planning permission.

They say the two-metre-plus high gabbioned wall was presumably put there to stop landslips. "But this has already occurred," says one angry resident.

Over 50 objectors attending a recent meeting expressed concerns over Skipton Properties' plans to build houses in Box Tree Gardens, off Birch Tree Gardens. Plans were approved in 1993, but residents say Skipton Properties revised those plans last year.

"The original application was sympathetic to the area and landscape, but the revised plan is horrendous," says another resident.

People living in Cherry Tree Close are experiencing land-slips and flooding in their gardens from underground springs which they say have been disturbed by the builders. They now look out from the back of their homes onto the gabbioned wall which will be topped off with a two-metre high fence. They say more daylight will be blocked from their properties by an 'incredible' 21ft upward slope in the ground level above the gabbioned wall and fence.

Other concerns are that:

the local infrastructure will not be able to cope with the additional housing

there is a strip of 'dead' land between the rear of the houses in Cherry Tree Drive and the gabbioned wall which could be a haven for criminals

major landslips could occur in the future

the new homes will be built to the detriment of houses in Cherry Tree Close and Dale View Road

the loss of privacy due to the height of the homes above properties in Cherry Tree Rise

who is liable for damage to existing properties while construction of the new homes is taking place.

Skipton Properties acquired the site last year and started work a couple of weeks before planning permission expired.

"They then applied for a revision of the site which turns out to be a major development," alleges one resident. "On those grounds the application should have been turned down."

They say the gabbioned wall should be removed immediately as it is unsightly, and must not be used as an excuse by the builder to persuade planners that costs would be incurred to remove the wall.

They also believe Skipton Properties was warned about the consequences of altering the site before planning permission was given.

We asked the company to comment this week but it declined.

A spokesman for Bradford council's planning department says: "A revised application for this site is now being considered but no decision has been taken. We are aware of work being undertaken on site, however we are monitoring the situation closely.

"We appreciate residents' concerns about this development and these will be taken into consideration by the council when a decision is being made. We are currently carrying out an assessment of how the new application might affect surrounding properties.

"As is normal practice, the developers have been asked to commission a specialist with relevant experience to provide a detailed evaluation of stability and ground conditions to ensure that the development could be carried out safely. The council is awaiting a full report.

"It is the responsibility of the developer, and anyone who might buy those homes in future, to make sure they are safe and do not pose a threat to nearby properties."

Any damage to the sewer would also be their responsibility."

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