A controversial Green Belt housing scheme in Oakworth has been withdrawn by developers at the eleventh hour.
More than 250 people, including the local MP Robbie Moore and local councillors, had objected to plans to build on a plot of land off Goose Cote Lane.
GCL Developments had submitted a planning application to build nine homes in the Green Belt site earlier this year.
A decision on the application was due to be made on Wednesday morning.
Numerous objectors travelled from the village to Bradford City Hall for the 10am meeting of the Regulatory and Appeals Committee, only to be told by Chair Councillor Doreen Lee that the committee had been informed the plans had been withdrawn by the developer – less than an hour before the meeting was due to start.
Cllr Lee apologised to those who had travelled to the meeting, telling them the withdrawal had come so late that there had been no way to inform objectors.
The application described the proposed dwellings as “eco homes” that would have energy demands 74 per cent lower than conventional homes.
It acknowledged that building on Green Belt was normally restricted, but claimed “special circumstances” – including a shortfall of housing in the District, meant “there are no identified adverse impacts that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”
There have been proposals to develop the site before.
In 2018 an application to build 100 homes was refused, and another application for the same amount of housing submitted shortly after was withdrawn by the developer.
Residents objecting to the new plan claimed that although the number of homes had been reduced, their concerns about building on the Green Belt remained.
A report by planning officers prepared by members of the Committee had recommended they refuse the plans.
The report said: “Officers strongly dispute the applicant’s argument that there are very special circumstances to support this proposal for inappropriate development.
“The development would cause unacceptable harm to the landscape character of the area by extending the urban edge of Oakworth into a greenfield site.”
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen (Cons, Worth Valley) had attended the meeting with objectors.
She said: “I’m very pleased that the plans have not been approved.
“It is an unsuitable site, and would eventually lead to more development going down the hill.”
She criticised the fact that the developer did not withdraw the application until the last minute, meaning objectors, many of whom were elderly, had a wasted trip to Bradford.
Cllr Poulsen added: “I hope this now sends a strong message that this is an important Green Belt site that we will continue to protect from any future development.”
Robbie Moore MP said: "I am delighted that proposals to build on our Green Belt land off Goose Cote Lane have now been withdrawn!
"Residents had quite rightly contacted me about this application and it was great to meet with them earlier this month to make my objections known.
"A huge thanks to our brilliant District Councillors Rebecca Poulsen and Julie Glentworth, local residents, and everyone involved for their hard work in opposing these plans.
"Bradford Council need to end their relentless pursuit of destroying our Green Belt."
Developer's bid to change planning condition on Silsden housing estate raises concerns
Local young dancers chosen for production of Swan Lake
South Craven plans to join East Lancashire schools in new Trust
Council increases library fines for first time in a decade
A-list celebrities support Brownies Bookmark Project
Heat Pump & Solar Panel Open Day in Ilkley on Saturday
Armed Forces Brew Up to take place at Airedale Hospital
Friends of Ilkley Moor announces AGM
Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
New acoustic lineup announced for Ilkley Pride 2024
Skipton events planned to mark D-Day 80th anniversary
Your guide to the elections taking place this week
Ilkley Harriers' charity races in Honour of former coach
Anita Lall appointed Principal at Craven College
Police step up patrols after vandalism in Glusburn
