BA2/H - West Lane

Object

Representation ID: 3232

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Trevor Wallis

Water comes off moors.
Roads already more than full.
Shortage of doctors, dentists, school places, policing, street waste bins.
Spoil view from heritage site Saltaire
Reduce green areas which are needed for health of the planet.
We need green space, trees, vegetation and wildlife, bees and other pollinators for the human race to survive therefore we should not build on every green area.
New houses are usually poorly built (e.g. those on reservoir), Lacking in car parking as there are usually at least 2 cars per house.

Object

Representation ID: 3516

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Marcia McGrail

The cynical dripdrip erosion of precious green belt land is unconcionable. No amount of 'sensitive' concreting or landscape 'buffers' will disguise the loss of this piec of green belt land. What does 'green belt' mean to BMDC Planning Dept. if not 'green belt'?
TPO woodland?
Just because a piece of land is not built on, doesn't mean it can or should be. The present infrastructure, the existing community, the wildlife habitat, the air quality - all features that are so beloved and essental to retaining the essence of Baildon village/town/....what next?

Object

Representation ID: 3632

Received: 22/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rachel Thresh

BA2/H West Lane (1) BA6/H West Lane (2):

The Council have not produced evidence to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances” why the fields have to be removed from Green Belt. Unless they do, the fields should stay as Green Belt.

The Council’s proposal is not “sound” as per the requirements of the NPPF (Feb 2019). There are alternative (non-Green Belt) sites in the area which have not been taken into consideration in the proposal. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there could be viable alternatives, like commercial premises that could be repurposed.

Development of the fields will generate considerable traffic on a lane with poor visibility, pavements of limited width and thus generate considerable risks to the lives and health of pedestrians and motorists.

The development of the fields will increase pollution. Being close to the Moors will inhibit / reduce the environment that supports local wildlife including deer, birds and bats.

Object

Representation ID: 3755

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Bryan Scott

Baildon is already overloaded with housing. Residents struggle to get their local school preference. Traffic on West Lane can be heavy at any time of day ( speeding cars are a constant menace). & so many cars come through Baildon from the golf club end during peak time & during school terms, that traffic backs up from Otley Road.
There is a constant strain on resources, besides schools. Medical facilities for example.

The land is used for grazing & has been for countless years. Why are you driving farmers away. England needs to produce more of its own food.
There is far too much concrete jungle, every road should have some green breathing space.
More brownfields site must be found to stop GREEDY developers

Object

Representation ID: 3796

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Ray Fearing

This is a well place site that provides a natural habitat, and enjoyable views in an area that has a great many houses already. It would be a shame to give up such a location to the development of housing that may be better placed elsewhere.

Object

Representation ID: 3834

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Silke Rahic

There is a great problem with surface water floods all around this area, I do see a problem for new houses and existing houses
Especially the risk of ground stability and drainage
Benefit on the other hand is doubtful, loss of this green belt in return for a few number of houses and taking the risk of more flooding and surface water problems

Object

Representation ID: 4402

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Thomas Smith

I object to the proposal to designate this land suitable for housing development for the following reasons.

1) Development on this site will adversely affect the setting of the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.

2) I dispute the council's conclusion that this site is a sustainable location for development.

Object

Representation ID: 4646

Received: 23/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Nat Fox

The proposed development here should not go ahead as it is a strategic error. Bradford Centre and the inner city needs large-scale regeneration and improvement - building in the greenbelt here only serves to destroy and erode one of the few things bradford has as an asset, which is the ability for its residents to see and access countryside easily.

The site has poor quality transport links, which in reality will mean the vast majority of any new residents drive everywhere, adding to congestion and pollution. The station is circa 25-30 min walk away up a very steep hill which will undoubtedly put most pedestrians off using this, and the bus is infrequent.

Shipley Glen has become a public asset of greater importance during the pandemic used for many for leisure - this development would generally detract from the quality of the countryside experience at the glen and baildon moor.

Object

Representation ID: 4736

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Kathleen Pugh

This is green belt area. There would be loss of wildlife and wild flowers. The main exit from Baildon is already heavily congested at peak perods leading to tailbacks of traffic.The number of houses proposed on this site would make matters worse and increase pollution as there is insufficient public transport. It would impact on the view from Saltaire World Heritage Site.

Object

Representation ID: 5034

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Ms Anita Tasker

This is green belt land and additional here will be detrimental to the local outlook and wildlife . There is a watercourse on this area which already runs onto the road during heavy rain , building on this land will only add to the problem. Building here will not create more affordable housing in the area , this is an expensive area to buy and will simply be unaffordable to first time buyers. There are many local brown field sites in which affordable housing could be built which would not be detrimental and would protect what little green belt land remains . Many visitors come. To this area to walk , ride , and enjoy the outdoors which is vital for mental health.

Object

Representation ID: 5069

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mr andrew sykes

Don't build here.
It's one of the last visible pieces of main-roadside greenbelt remaining the define the character of the village.
Commuting Baildoners will also be aware that the village lacks the road infrastructure to support any more dwellings accessed by Baildon Road.

Object

Representation ID: 5119

Received: 25/02/2021

Respondent: Bob Watson

It has been greatly disappointing to see the Council allow infill developments which have removed the only green space in an area, and allowed building sprawl in its place.

It is hugely concerning that the same mistake could be enacted in Baildon. I would implore you to remove the undermentioned two sites for that very reason.

If these are allowed to be developed they would remove the only green lung between Baildon Village and the Shipley Glen end of Lucy Hall Drive. It would then be effectively one great urban sprawl along the whole length of West Lane / Lucy Hall Drive - a significant distance.
This current green lung is a much welcomed space which helps the well-being of everyone in the area, and is a vital barrier between otherwise continuous housing.

I have little problem with what else is proposed.

Object

Representation ID: 5184

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Baildon & Shipley Friends of the Earth

Baildon & Shipley FOE – BA2/H
1. Note NPPF requirements paragraphs 136 and 137
2. Contravenes a core principle of Bradford’s Sustainable Development Action Plan, ‘Living within environmental limits’.
2. There will be knock-on effects of increase in traffic leading to further pressure on West Lane itself and neighbouring roads and the centre of Baildon, essentially creating further bottlenecks;
4. There are concerns about increased toxicity from traffic, increased danger to school children at Sandal Primary School, pressure on Sandal Primary School capacity, and the need to enlarge the school to absorb the potential increased intake. It is noted that a similar situation exists in respect of Salt School.
5. Essentially, the existing infrastructure in Baildon will struggle to cope with increased housing without addressing this issue.

Object

Representation ID: 5352

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Trenches Law

The land in question is greenbelt and it's concerning this has even been selected. It will clearly impact wildlife. The need for affordable housing is clear, yet these homes will not be affordable but on the high price side. There is enough housing in Baildon this is obvious when looking at the traffic flow in rush hour. Roads out of Baildon are some of the most congested in the UK outside of London a recent survey showed. It will not be safe for our children to increase the traffic flow. There have already been two invasive new devs built in the area. This should not set a precedent. Once again Bradford council has it's sights on the money and not the best interests of the community. Yet further faith lost in you. On greenbelt and so close to heritage.

Object

Representation ID: 5454

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Michael Babbitt

This is a greenbelt site and must be protected to prevent urban sprawl and loss of character of this area of Baildon. This site and the adjacent proposed site (BA6/H) provides the last remaining visual connection with the moorland and agricultural character of this area of Baildon and must be protected. Local wildlife rely on this green belt connection between the ancient woodlands of Walker Wood, Midgeley Wood, Stubbings Road and Hardaker lane and the open moorland. The site in its current form provides extremely signficant attenuation of water and runoff which is critical to the properties and infrastructure to the south of the site. The development of this site would inevitably increase the chance of flash flooding. Excessive traffic speeds on this section of West Lane would cause issue for access/egress from the site. Baildon itself has very limited capacity for further traffic generated due to limited exit points.

Object

Representation ID: 5489

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: CPRE West Yorkshire

We’ve not been able to visit this site (BA5/H) ourselves but it has been brought to our attention based on the concerns from local groups. In addition to our comments on SP5, we would object to this site allocation. The site BA5/H has been identified to be highly accessible to services and within sustainable transport modes, specifically Baildon train station at 800m walk away. However, the site is located adjacent to a TPO tree and an area of TPO woodland. Removing this part of the green belt which has a large potential for landscape impact, is of concern, and developing low density housing on it would be a very unsustainable outcome for the site.

In line with our comments on policy SP5, we also object to the following site allocations:

BA2/H
BA6/H

Object

Representation ID: 5591

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Paul Woodhead

I object to development on green belt land. This is already a heavily built up area of Baildon. The proposed site will contribute to already heavy traffic congestion through the town centre towards Bradford. The traffic from the development will pass by a primary school, which already has limited parking facilities, resulting in an increased risk to children at the start and end of the school day.

Object

Representation ID: 5769

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Morag Booth

This is one of the few remaining open spaces on West Lane. It's development will only contribute to urban sprawl, increased traffic and pollution.

Object

Representation ID: 5949

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Baildon & Shipley Friends of the Earth

1. Note NPPF requirements paragraphs 136 and 137
2. Contravenes a core principle of Bradford’s Sustainable Development Action Plan, ‘Living within environmental limits’.
2. There will be knock-on effects of increase in traffic leading to further pressure on West Lane itself and neighbouring roads and the centre of Baildon, essentially creating further bottlenecks;
4. There are concerns about increased toxicity from traffic, increased danger to school children at Sandal Primary School, pressure on Sandal Primary School capacity, and the need to enlarge the school to absorb the potential increased intake. It is noted that a similar situation exists in respect of Salt School.
5. Essentially, the existing infrastructure in Baildon will struggle to cope with increased housing without addressing this issue.

Object

Representation ID: 5959

Received: 24/03/2021

Respondent: Mr Neil Lambert

Green belt. This should not be allocated as many brownfield sites available. Also, encroaching up the hill will ruin our valley.

Object

Representation ID: 6081

Received: 05/03/2021

Respondent: Tony Chapple

West Lane backs up into the centre and onto the moor road, is narrow and becomes congested at school times
unreliable local utilities
Loss of fields
Bradford council using Baildon as a "cash cow"

Object

Representation ID: 6196

Received: 09/03/2021

Respondent: Dr Roger L'Amie

Firstly both are currently green field sites surely every effort must be made to develop brown field sites first.
Secondly there has been constant development in Baildon for forty years with no improvements in transport infrastructure.
Thirdly public transport on West Lane/Lucy Hall drive is poor one bus an hour. The consequence will be increased car use, see previous point.
Fourthly there are regular problems with water run off from these sites in wet weather is it coincidence that a couple of roads down from Dene Hill is a road called Spring Hill. If these sites are developed where will that water go? Will new springs appear in gardens of properties on the south side of West Lane.

Object

Representation ID: 6329

Received: 09/03/2021

Respondent: Paul Roberts

In particular:
•the scale of the new developments on West Lane in particular (BA2/H and BA6/H) are far too large, and the traffic they will generate will add to existing (pre-COVID) traffic levels at Baildon Roundabout, Baildon junction and along Otley Road
•the loss of this land, from existing Green Belt, is unjustified, and will change irrevocably the nature of West Lane for ever.

Comment

Representation ID: 6403

Received: 11/03/2021

Respondent: Howard Jackson

This land currently functions well as green belt, providing the only link along West Lane to the moorland and preventing urban sprawl. I am fully aware of the council’s need to provide for future growth but I believe there are many areas within the region that would be more suitable. Within the local area there are areas of derelict land and old disused buildings which could be developed for housing instead of removing yet more green belt. Development of these sites would greatly enhance the area while work on the proposed sites would actually have a negative impact on the region.

During the recent pandemic the number of visitors to this beauty spot from surrounding neighbourhoods, such as Bradford, has shown just how essential the green belt is to the local community, and what a valuable resource it is in its current format. The pandemic has also resulted in some businesses closing or moving online which has resulted in other buildings becoming available for potential conversion into housing stock.

Should the sites on West Lane be included in the published plan there would need to be caveats to ensure that any developments are beneficial rather than detrimental to the area. I believe these should include provision of or a contribution towards additional public transport. There are very limited bus services at present along West Lane and the road itself has too much traffic in rush hours, and the current number of properties has had the consequence that the road is frequently the site of road works. Indeed the road has many pot holes already because of the heavy traffic on this arterial route. Caveats should also be included to ensure access to the green belt on Baildon Moor, for both wildlife and people. This should include green areas within any developments. An additional issue with any development needs to consider the water run off from the sites. Since other recent developments have been built on land along West Lane the remaining land now proposed for development has become the main area for water to run off the moor. Streams have appeared in heavy rains that I have never seen in the 36 years that I have lived in Baildon. These have added to the damage on West Lane itself and have seen water overflowing the current drains. Most recently this happened in the rains in January 2021.

To summarise I feel the current proposal would be a tragic loss to future generations which once lost can never be replaced, and there are more suitable alternatives for inclusion in the local plan which would actually enhance the region.

Object

Representation ID: 6413

Received: 09/03/2021

Respondent: Mark Eastell

•Object to building on green belt along the West Lane / Lucy Hall Drive corridor. There are countless brownfield sites in Bradford which should be used.
•There are currently 80 sites with planning permission granted for housing in Baildon. These should be built first. The fact they haven’t been built suggests lack of need – supply and demand.
•The environment is of paramount concern for you people. There is no logical argument for developing on ancient woodland and green belt fields.
•Upper Baildon does not have the capacity for more families. The existing road network does not have the capacity for additional development – there are queues in and out in the morning and night.
•Local services are almost at capacity.

Comment

Representation ID: 6761

Received: 11/03/2021

Respondent: Steve Dolan

Drainage the currant green field acts as a lager sponge capturing a lot of water which during heavy rain fall gets over loaded now making West lane like a river.
If the plan is to build on the Two combined fields 122 homes with parking etc then the water will have no place to go as in no land to absorb the water.
The only way you can allow building on this site would be to insist on expensive water capture/holding systems which just won’t happen.
Traffic.
Given 122 homes you will expect there to be at least Two if not Three cars per residence this will just add to what is a big problem with the amount of traffic Westlane now.

Wild life
West lane hosts a numerus wild live including Bats , Owls and even deer this development will take away the basic habitat offered by the currant field and trees.

Object

Representation ID: 6936

Received: 09/03/2021

Respondent: Chris Bottomley

•The Green Belt at these sites is not only an aspiration for adults but also a focal point for children to see the livestock roaming in this area of moorland. There is nowhere else locally where this is available.
•122 new dwellings will have an impact on transportation.
•During COVID it take 20 minutes to get to Otley Road. Before COVID it could take 30/40 minutes at rush hour. Assuming 2 cars per household this will mean a further 244 cars trying to exit Baildon. Not including the vehicles from the other 95 dwellings proposed.
•Without improvements to road infrastructure this will lead to congestion and more exhaust fumes polluting those areas around the exit roads from Baildon.
•Proposed housing sites must be rejected as there is no way to improve the road network.

Object

Representation ID: 6948

Received: 11/03/2021

Respondent: Chloe Stephenson

We would like to object to the potential plans on West Lane between Dene Hill and Honey Pot Lane.
The reasons for my objections are as follows:

Impact on the view from our garden over the valley
Traffic generation
Loss of trees and greenery
Nature conservation
Over development within the area

Object

Representation ID: 7099

Received: 10/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Susan Jackson

•This area currently functions well as green belt, as farmland for sheep and space for wildlife.
•Provides much needed greenspace and prevents urban sprawl. Alternative sites in Baildon and Shipley which would enhance the area rather than detract from it.
•Brownfield sites in Airedale should be redeveloped. With working from home and changing shopping habits look to reuse retail and business premises which are no longer used instead of losing green belt.
•Where development has to occur, developers should:
1. maintain public rights of way into the wider green belt;
2. include green spaces;
3. contribute to improving public transport;
4. Improve drainage;
5. Address surface water run-off which freezers in winter posing a danger to pedestrians.
•This area is greatly valued by people for walks in the countryside and should remain Green Belt.

Object

Representation ID: 7920

Received: 10/03/2021

Respondent: Mrs Sally-Ann Harding

•Site is Green Belt. Brownbelt land available in Baildon should be used. Consider land around Otley Road -commercial development. Dilapidated housing should be redeveloped.
•Green Belt impact is moderate –this should be High. Site should be left as agricultural fields. New development adjacent to these sites has taken Green Belt and is not in keeping.
•New housing cannot be sensitively developed without impact on the landscape.
•West Lane is the only access point, is already a bottle neck and not fit for additional traffic. At school time traffic is at a dangerous level. It is not wide enough for cars to pass with so many parked cars.
•Highway network issues for accessing West Lane. Routes are already over capacity and wont cope with additional vehicles.
•Impact of building work will be unacceptable. Will have negative impacts on existing residents. Noise pollution, commercial traffic, pollution. Negative impact on value of existing properties.
•Who are the owners of the sites? What are the covenants of development of this land?