Developer rejects claims that plans went 'under the radar' (From Advertiser Series)

Developer rejects claims that plans went 'under the radar'

7:30pm Saturday 6th February 2010

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Angry residents fear a controversial scheme to redevelop Menston Hall has been rushed through “under the radar”.

Planners are to decide on Thursday on whether or not to approve a part conversion, part new-build scheme that would create 30 mostly ‘affordable’ homes at the former sheltered housing site on Low Hall Road, Menston.

The proposals from Bradford housing trust Incommunities would involve converting the existing building, demolishing a two-storey extension and adding a new block of flats.

Menston Neighbourhood Forum heard that the idea was for the social housing group to achieve a similar result to the one it had achieved with the £2.7 million redevelopment of The Lawn, in Burley-in-Wharfedale, last year.

But some residents questioned how well publicised the amended scheme had been while others expressed concerns about the scale of the housing and its impact on parking and traffic.

One woman said: “It’s a pity that this seems to have gone in under the radar. The neighbours have not been notified, some people didn’t realise this planning application had gone in.”

Councillor Chris Greaves (Con, Wharfedale) and Jim Smith, of Incommunities, were quick to reject the idea that the public had not had time to comment on the plans.

Mr Smith said the original plans were submitted in October. He said: “People can object right up to the 11th hour and can go to the meeting and object on the day.”

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