A DECISION will be made today about whether 190 houses can be built on land on the outskirts of Silsden.

Bradford Council planning officers have recommended councillors agree the proposals for Belton Road submitted by housebuilder Countryside Properties.

The houses, which include 38 affordable homes, would be built on fields running off Keighley Road on the Steeton side of Silsden.

News of the meeting came as Countryside Properties announced that as part of the project it will be donating £500,000 for important infrastructure works in Silsden.

This will include contributions towards a new primary school, community facilities and a footbridge to Steeton and Silsden Railway Station.

During a public consultation last summer, Silsden residents gave their views on where investment should be directed to support new homes in the town.

As a direct result of the consultation, Countryside Properties has agreed with Bradford Council that the plans will include 38 affordable houses suitable for key workers and first-time buyers.

The company will give £202,844 towards primary schooling in Silsden and £100,000 towards a footbridge crossing the A629 Air Valley trunk road towards the Steeton-Silsden railway station.

There will also be a £161,863 contribution towards recreation facilities in Silsden, potentially including new community space by the park and/or the multi-use games area in Elliot Street.

District councillor Andrew Mallinson, who represents Craven ward, this week welcomed the footbridge contribution, which he said came after he negotiated with the company about Silsden’s needs.

But he added: “With this housing development, we have to be cautious on the grounds of flooding.

"I would hope Countryside Properties will engineer a scheme to alleviate the risk of this.”

Countryside Properties this week confirmed it had agreed to set aside land adjoining the proposed housing site for a possible Silsden bypass.

Cllr Mallinson added: “I asked them to protect the line for the bypass for at least five years, so Bradford can work up a potential scheme.”

Ian Simpson, land and new business director for Countryside Properties, said: “Our proposals will not see homes built on the greenbelt and, as a result, will reduce the pressure on the greenbelt around Silsden.

“No objections have been received from the council or from statutory consultees, which we feel reflects the care we have taken to get the plans just right for the location.”

Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee will discuss the application today.