165 New Bradford Homes Approved as Grey Belt Development Unlocks Housing Growth
Plans for 165 new homes in Bradford have been approved, as updated Grey Belt planning rules unlock new opportunities for housing development on the city’s fringes.
Bradford Council has given the green light to two major schemes in Menston and Wilsden, delivering new homes and significant levels of affordable housing as the district faces mounting pressure to increase housing supply.
65 New Homes Approved in Menston
Avant Homes has secured approval for 65 homes off Otley Road in Menston, with 50% of the development set to be affordable housing.
Previously regarded as Green Belt, planning officers concluded that the 7.3-acre site now qualifies as Grey Belt landunder updated national planning guidance.
The decision comes as Bradford faces a significant housing shortage. The district currently has just 2.08 years of housing land supply, substantially below the five-year requirement.
The site sits alongside Menston’s existing settlement boundary, with local amenities, services and public transport connections within walking distance.
Despite objections from Menston Parish Council and more than 200 residents, councillors approved the development.
Wilsden Fold to Deliver 100 Homes
A second scheme from Hargreaves Land will deliver 100 new homes at Wilsden Fold, west of Harden Lane.
The almost 10-acre development also qualifies as Grey Belt and will provide 35% affordable housing, representing a 15% uplift on the local requirement.
Plans also include infrastructure improvements and publicly accessible green space, helping the development meet the government’s ‘Golden Rules’ for building on Grey Belt land.
Planning officers concluded the scheme would not cause severe congestion or capacity issues on the surrounding road network, with proposed access considered safe and suitable.
The approvals highlight the growing role of Grey Belt development in tackling Bradford’s housing shortage.
With the government pushing ahead with major UK planning reforms and councils under pressure to maintain sufficient housing land supply, previously restricted sites could become increasingly important in delivering the new and affordable homes communities need.
Together, the Menston and Wilsden developments will bring 165 new homes to the Bradford district, including a substantial proportion of affordable housing, while demonstrating how changing planning policy is reshaping housing delivery across Yorkshire.
