Neighbours pledge support to Menston campaigners (From Wharfedale Observer)

Neighbours pledge support to Menston campaigners

9:00am Sunday 16th September 2012 in Local news

Campaigners battling to pre-vent hundreds of new homes being built in their village have been given a pledge of support by neighbouring councillors.

The three ward councillors for Guiseley and Rawdon have added their weight to the Menston Action Group, which is planning to seek a judicial review if proposals for 300 new homes in their village get the green light.

The councillors say the new homes would have a huge impact on the areas they represent, increasing pressure on local amenities such as doctors surgeries and schools, as well as roads.

Coun Pat Latty said: “Gui-seley has been subjected to a number of new developments in the past few years, despite strong opposition from local people, so I know exactly how the people of Menston will be feeling and wish them well in their battle to defend the rural nature of their village.”

Coun Graham Latty added: “I wish MAG the greatest of success in challenging these developments. Although these homes will fall within Brad-ford, in reality Guiseley will bear the brunt of demand for services and the effect on its infrastructure will place a huge burden on all our local resources.”

Coun Paul Wadsworth war-ned: “The impact on our already congested public tran-sport and roads, such as the A65, will be massive if these developments go ahead.”

Proposals by developers Barratt Homes for 174 new houses at Derry Hill in Men-ston and by Taylor Wimpey for up to 135 homes in Bingley Road in the village have been granted planning permission, subject to Section 106 agree-ments being drawn up with Bradford Council.

Campaigners are attempt-ing to gain village green status for Derry Hill to block the new homes. A public inquiry decision is expected within the next few weeks.