Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore is calling for planners and housebuilders to listen to the 'genuine concerns' of Silsden residents - after proposals were announced for another new housing estate in the town.
Earlier this month we reported on a consultation by Newett Homes ahead of their submission of a planning application to build 72 new houses on land at Drabble House Farm near to the new Silsden Primary School.
Mr Moore, whose constituency includes Silsden, has raised 'deep concerns' about the proposals, which were announced the day after the go-ahead was given by Bradford Council for a 44-property development at The Willows on Hainsworth Road in the town.
Construction of new homes is currently continuing at three other major sites in Silsden - the Barrett estate Saxon Dene on Belton Road, the Lindum development on Keighley Road opposite Aldi, and Skipton Properties' Bolton Gardens site off Bolton Road at the north side of the town.
There is also an ongoing planning application by Persimmon Homes for 140 houses at the other side of Bolton Road.
In a letter to Silsden residents opposing the latest proposals, Robbie Moore raised his deep concerns regarding the “rapid expansion” of housing projects, adding that “the current state of our infrastructure in Silsden simply cannot accommodate” further development.
Mr Moore says the addition of more houses in Silsden will exacerbate traffic congestion on already busy roads, while putting additional pressure on the local school, doctors' surgery, and other vital infrastructure. He has also said that the housing developer Newett Homes should come to Silsden to hear people’s views in person rather than "hiding behind a computer" by doing their pre planning application consultation online.
The MP has contacted the developer urging them to organise an in-person public consultation and is urging Bradford Council to “listen to the genuine concerns of Silsden residents” before the Council releases its 15-year local plan for housing developments. Its Draft Local Plan currently identifies Silsden as a “local growth centre”.
Mr Moore added: “The announcement of a further 72 houses in Silsden behind Aireville Crescent with access off Middleway is deeply concerning as Silsden simply cannot cope with any more houses with its current infrastructure. The town is already grappling with unsustainable levels of housing development with absolutely no regard for improving our local infrastructure and the consequences of these developments are evident in our congested roads, strained community facilities, and a constant encroachment on our green spaces.
"I am profoundly disappointed that Newett Homes has neglected to hold a proper public meeting to directly address residents' concerns and I have urged them to arrange a comprehensive 'in person' consultation to ensure that local voices are heard.
"Silsden deserves better, and I also urge Labour-run Bradford Council to listen to the genuine concerns of Silsden residents before releasing its 15-year housing strategy which identifies further greenfield land for development on the outskirts of Silsden.”
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