Second public exhibition over controversial plan for 700 homes on Bradford quarry site

A SECOND public exhibition is being held over plans to build 700 homes on a quarry site in Bradford, after calls from the community.

The Marshall family, which owns the Bolton Woods quarry, submitted outline plans for the 70-acre site in November.

They are looking at alternative uses for the quarry, which supplies Yorkshire stone, as it is coming to the end of its life as a quarry and its long-term future is “economically unviable”.

Dozens of people dropped in to the first exhibition held last month to examine maps and details of the scheme planned for the 70-acre site off Bolton Hall Road, Bradford.

Now a second chance will be offered for people to discuss the plans to transform the quarry site into new homes at an exhibition to take place at Bolton Villa Church in Wrose

It has been organised following requests from local councillors and the community to hold another consultation session to enable as many people as possible to see the plans.

A spokesman for the Marshall family said: “Following our first consultation session in December we had quite a few people asking for a second event at the other side of the site.

“From this feedback, we decided to hold this event and we hope to see as many residents as possible and get as much feedback as we can.

“This large brownfield site can help to ease the housing shortage in the area and we want to ensure local views are taken on board, where possible, throughout the development process.”

Heritage bosses have criticised the major plans which would see some of the houses built close to two neighbouring listed buildings.

Both Historic England and Bradford Council’s Conservation Team have been consulted on the plans and have expressed their concern at the proximity of 125 homes to Bolton Old Hall and the adjoining Bolton Old Hall Cottage, both of which are Grade II listed buildings. Both say they have no objection in principle to the residential development of the quarry – just the impact of part of the development on the setting of the listed buildings.

In addition there have been around 30 objections from members of the public, citing issues such as the adverse effect on neighbouring properties, traffic issues and overcrowding at local schools.

The plans will be on show at Bolton Villas Church on Livingstone Road from 4pm until 7pm on Tuesday, January 26. There will also be members of the development team available to answer questions local residents may have about the plans.

Bradford Council planners are expected to determine the plans next month.