A DEVELOPER is poised to begin work on a 57-home scheme at Silsden.

Skipton Properties has been granted planning permission by Bradford Council for reserved matters, relating to design and layout, at the Bolton Road site.

The company said it was delighted to get the green light for the project, which will involve construction of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.

It adds that the scheme, known as Bolton Gardens, will include 20 per cent affordable housing.

The site comprises a field, infill land and a barn to the frontage of North Street, which the developer has pledged to “sympathetically” renovate.

Sarah Barraclough, Skipton Properties managing director, said: “Silsden is an area close to our headquarters and one we have a long history of building in.

“We are currently working with the relevant parties to progress our plans and look forward to beginning work on site.”

Craven ward district councillor Adrian Naylor – who is also a member of Silsden Town Council – said an outline application for housing on the land had originally been turned down, but a subsequent appeal against the decision was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

“I have concerns about development on this site,” he added.

“One of my concerns is that it is eroding more green space and adding to the sprawl of Silsden.

“Also, if you don’t have access to a car, you will have to walk up and down a very steep hill.

“Plus, where the bus stop is on one side of what is an extremely busy road, there is no footpath.”