Plan for 33 homes on former Ilkley Middle School site ‘unacceptable’ (From Wharfedale Observer)

Plan for 33 homes on former Ilkley Middle School site ‘unacceptable’

3:23pm Friday 1st February 2013 in News

A plan for 33 affordable homes on the former Ilkley Middle School site is “unacceptable” in its current form, says Bradford Council’s Highways department.

Council highways officer Aftab Rashid says he would be prepared to reconsider his present objection if the applicant was prepared to incorporate recommended changes to the scheme.

Bradford Council is planning to develop the former school site, in Valley Drive, with a total of 33 mixed-tenure homes.

There have already been objections from many residents, plus concerns voiced by ward councillors about the development encroaching on the neighbouring playing field.

In his consultation response, Mr Rashid called for the provision of a through route from the site to Leeds Road via Wyvil Road for pedestrians and cyclists and ‘no waiting’ restrictions across the site frontage on Valley Road, to prevent on-street parking problems.

He also said the Council’s emerging car parking policy is moving away from restrictive residential parking, and new developments are now expected to provide adequate off-street parking to avoid highway safety issues caused by vehicles parking in the street.

There are currently 55 spaces proposed, but a total of 57 is recommended in line with the new standards.

Mr Rashid additionally said some form of transport statement, identifying the site’s traffic generation and impact on site access - as well as public transport accessibility, should have been submitted with the application.

The plan is expected to be determined by Bradford Council planners.