A KEIGHLEY greenbelt site where plans for 130 new homes were rejected this year is the focus of a new application.

A planning agent has submitted outline proposals on behalf of GCL Developments for fields on Goose Cote Lane, saying the latest application for up to 100 homes addresses previous concerns raised by councillors.

In spring of this year the council’s regulatory and appeals committee refused an application to construct 100 houses and 30 “affordable dwellings” on a field off Goose Cote Lane, much of which is designated as protected greenbelt.

Councillors argued the developer could not give a good enough reason why houses needed to be built in Keighley’s greenbelt.

But Sam Dewar from DPA Planning Ltd, acting as agent for the revised scheme, said the new proposals include changes which “directly” address earlier objections of Bradford’s planning officers and committee councillors.

He said: “The resubmission deals with all the concerns raised by amending the scheme and providing additional information where necessary.

“At a time when house building is at the forefront of the political agenda, this application provides an opportunity to bring forward a high level of good quality homes for the people of Keighley.

“The proposed development will provide all the policy required contributions, including much needed affordable housing.

“The scheme is highly deliverable and promoted by a well-respected local housebuilder who is able to get started on it immediately.”

Director and property consultant Ian Hayfield, of commercial chartered surveyors Hayfield Robinson, said: “Following Bradford Council’s initial planning decision I was asked to place this high profile site on the market.

“After an extensive local and regional marketing campaign the site was sold.

“I’ve worked with the new owners and we’ve now submitted a revised scheme . The new owners of the land have made it clear they want to invest not only in West Yorkshire but in Keighley.

“Keighley’s population is growing and housing, as Bradford Council know s, is needed. Many established residential developers have decided not to explore potential residential sites in Keighley.

“But my new clients have stated to me from this site that they want to provide affordable housing for the town.”

The earlier application for this land triggered opposition from residents and councillors, with objections even coming from the nearby Keighley& Worth Valley Railway.

The plans were rejected for a number of reasons, including being judged to be inappropriate development in greenbelt and risking harm to the character of the landscape to the detriment of local tourism.

Reacting to the new proposals for up to 100 homes, Keighley West Ward Councillor Cath Bacon said: “I know the residents of Goose Cote Lane and surrounding streets will still be very motivated to defend this part of the greenbelt.

“And while I’m a Keighley West councillor I will vigorously support the residents of Keighley West.”