Bradford Council to sell land for 75 houses in Keighley
Bradford Council is preparing to sell a significant plot of green space in Keighley earmarked for up to 75 homes.
A plot of land off Hainworth Wood Road, Hainworth Road and Gingerbread Clough in Keighley is among the assets Bradford Council plans to sell. The site is allocated for a potential 75-house development within the council's Draft Local Plan.
It is one of several assets being disposed of. The move follows two years of exceptional government financial support, which allowed the council to sell assets to fund day-to-day operations. No potential sale prices have yet been decided.
Council asset sales driven by financial relief measures
The disposals come after the Government agreed to provide Bradford Council with 'exceptional financial support' in 2024. This measure was designed to help the authority avoid bankruptcy. It permitted the council to sell off some assets to fund its operational costs.
Steven Mair, the council's Interim Strategic Director Corporate Resources, has approved the disposal of a number of different assets. The council is now disposing of scores of assets including plots of land, buildings, and car parks.
Financial rules limit use of sale proceeds
These sales operate under specific financial constraints. Under normal rules, councils can only use money raised from asset sales for other capital projects. The revenue cannot be used to fund services like social care or road repairs. The exceptional government support temporarily overrides this restriction.
Other local sites also approved for disposal
Additional land has been cleared for sale. This includes more than three acres of grazing land at North Dene Road in Silsden.
| Location | Size | Current Use | Local Plan Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hainworth Wood Road, Keighley | Not specified | Subject to grazing licences | Allocated for ~75 units |
| North Dene Road, Silsden | 3.36 acres | Leased to a farm business | Included as a possible housing site |
The North Dene Road land is included as a possible housing site in the Draft Local Plan. Part of that site is leased to a farm business. The Hainworth Road site is also currently subject to two individual grazing licences.
Councillors face deadline to review plans
Local councillors now have a narrow window to intervene. They have until tomorrow to 'call in' any of the plans for further consideration. This would trigger a more detailed scrutiny process before the disposals can proceed.
Councillors will decide by tomorrow whether to refer the disposal plans for further consideration.
