Residents on new homes proposal in Tong area of Bradford

A large section of Green Belt land at Westgate Hill in Tong was “allocated for development in Bradford Council’s draft Local Plan".

The Local Plan - which is not yet set in stone as it is unadopted - sets out potential new sites for housing and employment over the next two decades. 

The Government requires Bradford Council to find land for 2,089 new homes every single year.

Hallam Land, part of the Henry Boot group, has expressed its hopes of building on some of the scenic green fields in the Tong and Fulneck Valley.

A view over land that could be used in Hallam Land's application to build new homes (Image: Mike Simmonds) It will apply to build a mixed-use development - featuring a new primary school site, ‘neighbourhood centre’ and employment space.

On its dedicated website for Westgate Hill, the developer has promised “significant areas of public open space” and easy access to cycling, walking and bus routes.

It is holding a consultation until November 29 - where residents can share their views and recommendations.

Councillor Dawn Seary (Pudsey, Conservative) described the proposal as “troubling”.

A large section of land at Westgate Hill in the Tong area has been suggested for a mixed-use development site (Image: Mike Simmonds) She claimed the land represents a significant amount of remaining Green Belt land between Leeds and Bradford.

Cllr Seary told the T&A: “There’s currently no active planning application for this site. 

“This consultation is entirely separate from the Bradford Council's Local Plan, which is still pending adoption. While there is a need for more social housing, these proposals are clearly misplaced and threaten to create irreversible urban sprawl — exactly what Green Belt protections are intended to prevent."

In a statement, the Tong and Fulneck Valley Association said it "stands united with our community against the recent public consultation announcement from Hallam Land. 

“This development company has presumptively suggested that our precious Green Belt land is allocated for housing. Let us be clear: it is not. 

“This so-called consultation is not part of the Council’s Local Plan, which remains unadopted in any form. 

A large section of land at Westgate Hill in the Tong area has been suggested for a mixed-use development site by Hallam Land (Image: Mike Simmonds) “None of the Green Belt land Hallam Land targets has been approved for housing, nor should it be. 

“For nearly two decades, The Tong and Fulneck Valley Association and local residents have fiercely opposed attempts to reallocate parts of the valley for development, efforts often driven by council members and employees disregarding our community’s right to preserve our countryside. 

“Any incursion will lead to irreversible urban sprawl, exactly what Green Belt laws are meant to prevent. This valley is not only a critical habitat for wildlife but an irreplaceable space for recreation, wellbeing, and heritage for all who live here.

“Hallam Land have clearly done little research on the strong local support for the protection of this land. Their lack of understanding shows just how misplaced this proposal is, and as a community, we will stand firmly against it.

“To reiterate and echo the information from our own local councillors, who have provided a leaflet drop in the next few days for the residents of Tong Ward, this is not yet a planning application, though they likely want to move to make it one. 

“Nothing is agreed. Nothing is confirmed, there is a long way to go for them to attempt to get there. And we’ll be there every step of the way if they choose to continue, stopping them in their tracks.

“The Tong and Fulneck Valley Association will submit a formal response as the association, also as individual local residents, making our stance crystal clear. This Green Belt is not open for negotiation, and we will continue to fight to preserve it.”

What has the developer said?

In response, a spokesperson from Hallam Land, part of the Henry Boot group, said: “Land off Westgate Hill is identified for development in the City of Bradford MBC’s draft Local Plan [February 2021], and we are consulting on the emerging proposals to enable local people to find out more and get involved as we prepare a planning application.

"As well as providing new homes, the development will deliver a mixed-use neighbourhood centre with community facilities, shops and a new primary school site, alongside workspace for new and growing businesses. Set in expansive green spaces there will be parks, sports, recreation and play space, walking and cycling routes and woodland plantation with significant wildlife benefits.

“We hope the local community will engage in the consultation process and provide constructive feedback and ideas as to how much-needed new homes for local people can come forwards with investment into the infrastructure needed in the area.”

The developer’s consultation period runs until November 29, 2024. To share your views on the Westgate Hill proposal visit https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/29QTYBX 

Views sharing the consultation stage will be taken into account for the planning application.