A Parish Councillor denied they were NIMBYS during a planning meeting in which a controversial plan to build homes on a field was approved.
The application to build up to nine homes on land off Cross Lane, Oxenhope, went before a planning panel on Wednesday.
Almost 60 people had objected to the plans, including Oxenhope Village Council, raising concerns about the loss of an important undeveloped area of land and the reduction in on street parking on Cross Street the development would cause.
The application was an outline one – for the principle of building on the site, and where the road access would be.
It was discussed by Bradford Council’s Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel on Wednesday.
Applicant Hugh Roberts said: “Bradford District has an acute housing shortage. Schemes like this are needed to reduce pressure on house prices.
“This site is not on Green Belt, it is not in a Conservation Area and it is not in a flood zone.”
Councillor Rebecca Poulsen (Cons, Worth Valley) said many residents were concerned about the loss of parking the development would bring.
She said: “I was there this week, and struggled to find anywhere to park.
“Oxenhope residents know the type of development needed in Oxenhope. This isn’t it.”
Village Councillor Debbie Harvie referred to a recent opinion piece by the applicant in a Yorkshire newspaper where he spoke about NIMBYs opposing small scale housing schemes.
She said: “I only recently found out what a NIMBY was from this article.” She denied her and her fellow Councillors were NIMBYs and “backward thinking”, adding: “We’re anything but, we are a pragmatic and forward thinking Council.
“We have reviewed 43 planning applications, and supported 91 per cent of them.”
She said Bradford Council had set a target of 25 new homes in Oxenhope by 2030, and Cllr Harvie said: “We will meet that.”
She said the site was an important “gap” in the village – through which people could see the Yorkshire Moors with all their Bronte links.
Cllr Harvie added: “This development will remove that link. This is a threat to local tourism.”
Officers pointed out that Oxenhope Council recently put forward its village plan, which set out what areas should be protected as green space.
This site was not on the list of protected sites.
Councillor Sinead Engel (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said despite the concerns, she could not see any planning reasons to refuse the scheme.
Councillor Marcus Dearden (Lab, Bingley) said: “There is not much protection for this land.”
Councillor Chris Herd (Cons, Worth Valley) said: “We’ve heard people speak against this. I think local people’s feelings should be listened to rather than just planning regulations.”
Cllr Engel replied: “There are lots of times as a planning panel we have to vote in a way we don’t necessarily want to. We have to look at the policies in place.”
Two members of the committee voted in favour and two voted against. One member abstained.
As Chair, Cllr Engel cast the deciding vote, and the plan was approved.
A more detailed application, including the number and layout of the homes, will have to be submitted and approved before any work can start.”
Skipton event planned for private landlords
World-class tennis returns with Ilkley Trophy
Exploring Ilkley Moor: Free guided walks and educational events
Young BGT magician includes Ilkley in tour
Ilkley's newly elected Deputy and Town Mayor
Company behind Skipton food and drink festival ceases trading
Residents spring into action for a fairer deal for Ilkley District
District's first average speed cameras installed on A650
Group that helps people connect with nature to get new home in park building
What are the top priorities for Ilkley? Share your thoughts in the community consultation
Nick Hancock returns to breakfast radio in Skipton and Ilkley
Silsden store supports local NHS Charity at fashion show fundraiser
Leading environmentalist tells Ilkley to get real about climate crisis
Local Pride groups receive new patron
Outside the Box hosts ‘Thank You’ EP launch
Silsden quarry blocked after Planning Inspector rejects appeal
Friends of Ilkley Railway Station share results of public consultation
Grade II listed structure at Keighley station needs urgent repairs
The Hive to host Silsden community fun day
18 local businesses compete in 5-a-side event
