Plans to build a new homes development, consisting of 41 affordable houses, in the Long Lee area, between Keighley and Bingley, have been approved by planning officials at Bradford Council.
The scheme will be developed by Urban Developments (York) Ltd, which is part of York based Urban Group, in partnership with Bradford based social housing provider, Accent, and has been designed by Brewster Bye Architects. The site, located between Long Lee Lane and Redwood Close, currently consists of open land and several run-down residential and farm buildings.
Plans to build 45 homes on the site were approved in outline form in 2018. As a result, Brewster Bye submitted a reserved matters application for 32 houses, as well as a full planning application for nine homes on an adjoining site recently acquired by Urban Developments (York).
All of the two and three bedroom homes will have parking and gardens, and construction work is due to start this summer. Once complete, Accent, which was established in 1966 and currently operates and owns more than 20,000 homes, will manage the development and make the homes available for affordable rent and sale on a shared ownership basis.
Nick Gould, managing director of Urban Developments (York), said: “Securing the go-ahead for this development is a great achievement for everyone involved and we’re looking forward to starting work on site. Long Lee benefits from good local amenities and public transport links, close to the acclaimed St. Ives Estate and surrounded by countryside, but it’s still just a short drive to both Keighley and Bingley town centres.
“As a result, it’s a great residential area and we’re confident this development of high-quality new homes, that will appeal to a wide mix of residents and families, will become a very popular place to live.”
Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye Architects, said: “This development will provide local jobs and training opportunities as well as utilising Homes England funding to help deliver the government’s agenda for new homes. We’ve designed the whole scheme around the natural slope of the land, which will create a development that sits comfortably within the existing context of both the site and its surrounding urban environment.
“The northern part of the development, consisting of 32 homes, has a traditional residential layout and the southern section of the development will be a smaller, mews style, development.
“The two distinct areas will be separated by a substantial public open space and additional landscaped areas will be a key feature throughout the scheme. These will ensure the development isn’t over dominated by cars and parking, which will significantly enhance its visual appeal and make it a really attractive place to live.”
Andrew Black from Accent added: “This is an exciting opportunity for Accent. We are really looking forward to starting on site and working closely with Bradford Metropolitan District Council and our partners to bring the scheme forward and establish a new, vibrant and sustainable community.
“Crucially this development will provide a range of much needed spacious, light and well-proportioned family homes that are also able to offer wheelchair accessible living, so it promises to be highly-sought after.”
