Comment

Representation ID: 24272

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Bradford District Ward Councillor (Conservative)

-Welcome the further reduction in housing numbers.
-Contest the proposed high number which is disproportionate for the size of the town especially as the infrastructure is still woefully inadequate.
-Silsden has already taken a considerable amount of housing but the promised infrastructure has never been delivered.
-Dispute that Silsden has a local employment base (5.13.2). There is SOME employment but in the main it is a commuter town.
-Dispute that there are GOOD connections to these local towns and cities.
-It is about 1.5 miles to the railway station which involves crossing the A629 dual carriageway. There is currently no footbridge nor safe crossing to do this. There is no bus service to the neighbouring town of Skipton. No proper cycle lanes. The canal towpath on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal is still awaiting upgrading.
-No explanation for classifications as Local Growth Centre.
-Existing sustainable transport links are inadequate which conflicts with the transport policy and reduction for net zero carbon target.
- 5.13.15: Why is Silsden not covered by an Air Quality Management Area nor within the proposed Clean Air Zone? Silsden is congested with slow moving and stationary traffic.
-Non-specific and vague details about strategic transport projects. (TR1.A.5 and TR1.B.2) There is no mention of the footbridge or safe crossing across the A629 within this table.
-Local housing needs - older than average population requires suitable accommodation to match their needs. There needs to be a mix of ‘affordable’ accommodation with shared equity homes.
-Support shift in Road Space & Delivering Walking, Cycling and Public Transport Infrastructure
-It is acknowledged there are notable deficits of certain types of open space. Building on the greenfield sites is not going to improve this situation.
-5.13.33: Llittle emphasis of how much flooding the town has experienced in recent times and the increased frequency of flood warnings/flood risk alerts.