LAND at Esholt could be transformed into one of the most sustainable residential developments in the country.

A major new employment base, focused on bio-tech businesses, is also being proposed for the site at Esholt Waste Water Treatment Works.

Yorkshire Water and sister company Keyland Developments Ltd say their proposals, submitted to Bradford Council this week, would deliver a host of economic, social and environmental benefits.

The operational footprint of the 32 acre water treatment works site has reduced significantly in recent years due to technological advances - leaving large areas now unused.

It is this land that the proposal has earmarked for a scheme that would include both 150 new homes and 100,000m2 of ‘sustainable work spaces’.

Planning Manager at Keyland Developments Ltd, Luke Axe, said: “We have always known that Esholt has the potential to be one of the most significant developments in the UK, so to be at the stage where we are submitting our plans for this innovative sustainable development is incredibly exciting.

“We have worked extremely hard with our valued project team over the last few months, undertaking extensive public consultations and stakeholder engagement to ensure that the plans will enable Esholt to reach its potential and deliver far-reaching social, environmental and economic benefits.

“This development demonstrates how sustainability can drive design and we are looking forward to being able to deliver this ambitious project.”

The employment element of the proposals describes workspaces that would ‘accommodate a mix of industry, with a particular focus on bio-tech businesses and other industries that can make the most of heat, power and water generated by the treatment works to maximise sustainability’.

The plan describes the new housing proposals, meanwhile, as having been ‘led by the drive to create an exemplar residential development which will be one of the most sustainable in the UK’.

A variety of different sized homes, ranging from one bedroom maisonettes to five bedroom detached houses, are being proposed.

They would incorporate local materials and rely on innovative technology and intelligent energy use, including methods to reduce water consumption.

More details on the scheme can be found at www.esholtpositiveliving.co.uk .