We are aware that the developers have persuaded BW to accept a slightly wider and slightly re-positioned swing bridge. We await their plans to learn more.  I am keen to know how this information differs from the information we have from Bellway and Redrow.
The Greenhill Action Group (GAG) was formed many years ago in the early nineties, it's purpose is to protect the open green hills and fields bounded by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Sty Lane and Micklethwaite Lane from residential development. The land is part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal Conservation area and is also home to local well populated and varied wildlife and farm animals. An area of outstanding natural beauty and a natural break in between an overdeveloped area of the Airedale valley.

Successfully defeated twice

As part of Bradford's UDP plans this 40 acre site has been successfully defeated twice by the GAG. More recently in 2003 Bradford reviewed their UDP and appointed a Planning Inspector who declared: 'The site is 'fit' for development when the Bingley relief road is complete and development could start as early as 2009'.

The Bingley relief road was completed in 2004 and now 2009 is here Bellway and Redrow homes are planning to develop the site. They held a public exhibition attended by many local residents (believed to be over 200). In response local residents from Crossflatts, Micklethwaite and nearby suburban areas of Bingley attended a public meeting.

All against the development

In attendance were over 120 locals including two representatives from Bellway and Redrow, local MP Philip Davies, and local councillor David Heseltine. The meeting was organised by the Crossflatts Village Society and chaired by local resident Quentin Deakin. A vote was taken to gauge public opinion and 120 of the attendees were against the development and those for the development totalled two, from Bellway and Redrow.

Bellway and Redrow have indicated their intention to submit a planning application this autumn to the Bradford MDC Planning Authority for 450 new homes. Their intention is to obliterate this natural environment and to provide one main road into and out of the new housing estate via Micklethwaite Swing Bridge. This is a very narrow lane and struggles to support current traffic. It also a local 'rat-run' especially at peak times.

GAG would like to raise support against this development. We have set up a web site and this can be found at http://www.greenhill-action-group.co.uk/

Richard Pinchbeck
Greenhill Action Group, Micklethwaite