Menston homes wrangle is featured by BBC (From Wharfedale Observer)

Menston homes wrangle is featured by BBC

8:43am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News

A long-running planning battle over hundreds of new houses planned in Menston was brought to national attention last week on prime-time television.

BBC1’s The One Show shone a spotlight on the battle of Menston residents against hundreds of homes which could be built, including the controversial Derry Hill and Bingley Road developments.

And Menston could find itself on air once again if it is selected for a forthcoming documentary about British villages in crisis. Producers of another show have also shown an interest in featuring Menston.

The One Show, aired last Thursday, homed in on villagers’ long-running campaign against an influx of new homes on greenfield sites.

It focused on Government plans to provide extra homes around the country, which could see more green belt and greenfield land developed.

A film crew attended a public meeting in the village, the day before controversial planning minister Nick Boles paid a visit to the area to talk to local groups and visit the former High Royds Hospital site, now a housing estate.

Residents spoke of their determination to continue opposing housing plans. One said the community would “never give up”.

The plans for homes on Derry Hill and Bingley Road were approved by Bradford Council’s Shipley Area Planning Panel last year.

Menston Community Association chairman and secretary of community network Ward (Wharfedale and Airedale Review Development), Alan Elsegood, was interviewed for the TV show, explaining concerns about the impact of the developments.

Bradford Council told the BBC its priority was to build on brownfield sites if possible.

Planning consultant Clive Brook highlighted how the village could benefit from improved public transport and new public open space as a result of the new housing.