The Telegraph and Argus is supporting Bradford residents in their bid to save green belt land from housing developers.

The feud is concerning the council’s Unitary Development Plan, which was passed three years ago.

It designated certain strips of land for housing, shopping and industry, as well as reserving a green belt of land. Developers now want this green belt for further housing.

Locals are supporting the council’s plan for using previously developed sites for housing in order to retain some balance. The dispute blew up at a public inquiry.

T&A editor Perry Austin-Clarke was in no doubt as to his allegiance.

He said: “The precious greenery around the city must be protected at all costs.

“Already too much housing development has been allowed to encroach into the fields that make Bradford such a varied, pleasant district.

“Whatever arguments the builders bring to the public inquiry, the wishes of the people who live in this district surely cannot be ignored.

“Bradfordians have to live with an infrastructure which is already under great pressure from the outward spread of housing.

“Enough is enough. The Council rightly believes that the emphasis should be on reusing former industrial sites, many of which are closer to the city centre shops and work places and on good bus routes. That is the view that must prevail at the inquiry.”

The public inquiry is expected to continue for six months and to cost £1m.

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