Fury as Council's Executive ignores local people

6.04.12pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Jun 2005

Councillor David Ward said "Residents are angry that they have not had the opportunity to debate the proposal to delete large pieces of green belt near their homes.Thousands of people across the District are being denied the right of a fair hearing.

If the Council wants to change even a small highways scheme they have to go out and talk to the people concerned. But objectors to proposals that will have a major impact on where they live are being denied the right to a proper public hearing. In Greengates, Apperley Bridge and other places across the District the views of thousands of people are being ignored.

The Council has told local people that their opposition to the removal of land from the greenbelt can be picked up later when the local development plans are put into place. As local Councillors we have been told that once the land is removed from the greenbelt it will be lost forever. This can not be allowed to happen without a proper debate.

We wanted the Council's Executive to reject the Inspectors proposals and not remove any land from the green belt until an urban capacity study has been conducted and the green belt has been properly reviewed. It looks like the Executive committee of just six Conservative Councillors will be ignoring the views of local people"

"The loss of green belt is more than just a loss of view or a recreational open space, local people lose their sense of place and history. This must not be sacrificed lightly, without proper consideration or consultation. The greenbelt needs to be cherished and greater emphasis placed on their role in improving the quality of life for local people. By shifting the boundaries Bradford Council removes the incentive for developers to make better use of urban sites. The Council for the Protection of Rural England has warned of the onslaught of greenbelt land and has warned that greenbelt land in West Yorkshire is some of the most endangered in the land."