Support

Representation ID: 17289

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: The Great Northern Railway Trail Development Group

Off-road cycleways, using former railway lines, are green corridors that form wildlife habitats for many species, not just parks and woodlands. These can contribute to biodiversity. We ask that former railway lines, such as the Great Northern Railway Trail, be included in the range of places where green infrastructure is to be protected. In this corridor, wildlife is flourishing, thanks to the support of the Bradford Urban Wildlife Group. This green linear corridor can also link other existing green spaces.
This policy refers in part to ‘ensuring that where opportunities exist, the scheme connects to the existing walking and cycling networks and greenways’.
From our experience these opportunities have not been recognised nor sufficiently pursued by Bradford Council officers, even with our intervention as a formal consultee to planning applications.