THE NUMBER of planned new homes approved by Bradford Council could exceed a proposed housing target before a district-wide development policy comes into effect, Addingham councillors fear.

Addingham Parish Council has become the latest organisation to express concern about delays to the Bradford District Local Plan – intended to control the location and scale of housing and business development.

A 4,000 house-building target put forward in the the initial consultation stage for the plan was halved in its last revision.

But Addingham Parish Council now fears permission could be granted for in excess of 200 new homes before the Local Plan even comes into effect.

In a statement, it said: “The council appreciates that the village will see some growth in housing. However, current Government Policy, which has led to a presumption in favour of development, is leading to planning approvals in areas of the village which might not necessarily be in the best long term interests of the village.”