Campaigners are urging people to register their objections to proposed development on green belt land between Pudsey and Bradford, writes Keely Bannister.
A response document to Bradford Council’s consultation about the city’s future development which includes building houses, industrial sites and a link road through Tong and Fulneck Valley has been produced by the Save Tong and Fulneck Valley campaign.
Following a meeting held by the group in response to the consultation yesterday, a prepared response has been written with people who agree just needing to add their personal details on page two and date and sign on page four.
The response objects in the “strongest possible terms” to the proposed Green Belt release in the Tong and Fulneck Valley and says the core strategy is “unsound” before going on to detail why:
“Tong Valley is the setting for two conservation villages (Tong and Fulneck) and for individual properties of significant historical interest.
“One of the valley’s main attractions is Black Carr Woods, ancient oak woodland.
“Tong Valley has been protected for generations from insensitive industrial and urban development. It provides recreational opportunities for walkers, cyclists, runners and horse riders and is one of the few easily accessible areas of unspoilt countryside available to a large population in South Bradford and West Leeds.
“The loss of this valuable green space amenity would have a negative and adverse effect on our community who will all feel anguish at the loss of such a beloved environment.”
The consultation – which can be viewed here in full – closes on 24th September, but the group is asking people to complete any objections as soon as possible.
People can download the response document here and print out a paper copy of the form, or fill it out online and e-mail it to planning.policy@bradford.gov.uk .
Copies are also being printed out at IPSO PRINT on Low Lane in Pudsey. Paper copies can be handed in at Bankhouse Pub in Fulneck or The Greyhound in Tong by 5pm on Sunday 22nd September.
There is also an option for people to write their own objection or alter what has been suggested by Save Tong and Fulneck Valley.
As reported in July, Pudsey’s MP Stuart Andrew threw his weight behind campaigners aiming to stop a £64 million plan to introduce a new link road in south-east Bradford.
Mr Andrew has written to Bradford Council opposing the plan due to its impact on his constituency, the lack of consultation with Leeds City Council and the fact that investment has been approved before principal details have been published.
The scheme, which could cost £64.2m, is aimed at reducing congestion, improving journey times between areas of Bradford and Leeds and providing the infrastructure to unlock land for new housing development – with potentially 2,500 new homes to be delivered off the back of the new road.
Conservative councillors in Pudsey and Calverley & Farsley wards believe it could do irreparable damage to the greenbelt between Leeds and Bradford and could have far reaching impact on West Leeds if the road expands to also include connectivity to Leeds Bradford Airport, as is suggested in a West Yorkshire Combined Authority report.
Bradford Council say the link road scheme isn’t just about relieving traffic congestion, but about regenerating the area.
At a meeting in June, Cllr Alex Ross Shaw, Bradford Council’s head of transport, said:
“Looking at the objectives of the scheme. It’s not just about congestion.
“This isn’t moving traffic to another road. This is about a regeneration scheme. This is about bringing quality homes and places to live in these areas.
“It can lift communities as well as bringing quality places to live. I am pleased to see it come forward. We are fairly confident right now.”
Disgraceful that more greenbelt is being gobbled up by greedy developers, taking away ancient Woodlands and areas of wildlife habitat. People need greenspaces and somewhere to breath clean air and relieve the stresses of life, particularly highlighted by this pandemic. Global pollution is another problem, we need all the tree’s we already have and more besides !