Plans for nine houses on green belt land refused

Plans to build nine homes in West Yorkshire have been refused, as planners said the plot of land forms an important part of the area's green belt.

They also argued that the development, on land off Shaw Lane in Oxenhope, would not be sustainable as access to the homes by any means other than car would be difficult for people living there.

The application was submitted by M & CJ Holmes earlier this year, who argued the site - which sits within the green belt, could be redesignated as grey belt under current planning rules, paving the way for the development.

However, planning officers at Bradford Council disagreed and refused consent.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the planning application said the site is made up of "modified grassland, and "in the northeast of the site is a pile of manure."

It said the land "does not positively contribute" to the green belt, adding: "At approximately 0.4 hectares and contained on three sides, development at this location would not fundamentally undermine the purposes of the remaining green belt across the district."

Almost 100 people had objected to the plans, concerned over the loss of green belt and pointing out how Shaw Lane was a narrow road, unsuitable for new homes.

Refusing the plans, council officers said the site made an important contribution to the "character and significance of the Upper Town Conservation Area" citing its "open, largely undeveloped appearance".

"Development of the site through the principle of introducing up to nine dwellings would erode this important open setting, harm identified views and diminish the ability to appreciate the significance of both the conservation area and nearby listed buildings at Shaw Lane."

Officers added that the site was "poorly connected" and future residents would be "substantially reliant on private motor vehicles for access to employment opportunities, shops, schools, healthcare services, public transport and other day-to-day facilities".

They also raised concerns about safe pedestrian access and limited public transport and pointed out the "steep gradients between the site and nearby services".

"These constraints significantly reduce the attractiveness and practicality of walking, cycling and public transport as realistic alternatives to the private car."

They concluded the site did lie within the green belt and said they were "not satisfied that the site constitutes grey belt land for the purposes of the National Planning Policy Framework".

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