Plans revealed for 300 new homes near to Bradford beauty spot
Over 800 people have already signed a petition calling for the plans to be halted.
Last updated 4th Feb 2026
A HOUSING developer has revealed plans to build up to 300 homes near a Bradford beauty spot.
But over 800 people have already signed a petition calling for the plans to be halted.
Keepmoat Homes hopes to build the major housing development on agricultural land next to Chellow Dene Reservoir, and say the homes will help “to meet Bradford’s diverse housing needs within a sustainable landscape setting.”
The developer has launched a consultation with the public ahead of submitting a planning application for the huge scheme.
The company says a third of the properties will be classed as affordable.
There has already been a huge backlash to the plans, with a petition launched to halt the development, and a public meeting has been organised by the Friends of Chellow Dene.
The site in question is over 12 hectares of land off Allerton Road, just South of Chellow Dene Reservoir.
Keepmoat has set up a website providing details about their plans.
It says: “The emerging vision for the site is to create a new community that delivers up to 300 much-needed homes to meet Bradford’s diverse housing needs within a sustainable landscape setting.
“Keepmoat will be seeking outline planning permission on the site. Outline planning permission is used to gain an understanding as to whether the nature of a development is acceptable and to establish the principle of development for residential use on the site.
“Subject to outline permission being granted, specific details known as ‘reserved matters’ can subsequently be confirmed under a separate planning application. In this instance, all matters are to be reserved except for access.
“Vehicular, cycle and pedestrian access is proposed from the east of the site, off Allerton Road, and also from Canford Road from the south of the site. Additionally, pedestrian and cycle access is proposed from multiple points south of the site, off Manscombe Road, and from the east, west and north of the site, to connect with existing footpaths.
“In line with policy requirements, 35 per cent of homes are proposed to be affordable.
“Public open space will be provided around the site.”
It says the development will “create a new sustainable neighbourhood that is sensitively integrated with the local context” and will “provide a landscaped green link along the northern boundary to provide a development-free buffer to protect the setting of the ancient woodland.”
People will be able to use the website to comment on the plans – with a closing date of February 12.
The comments will not count as objections to any future planning application, however.
There has already been a backlash to the proposals.
The Friends of Chellow Dene has arranged a public meeting where people can discuss the proposals.
It will take place at Café West on Tuesday February 10 at 6.30pm.
A petition calling for Keepmoat to scrap the plans and “explore alternatives that do not harm wildlife or our green spaces” has been launched.
The petition, which has so far been signed by 830 people, says: “Chellow Dean is one of the last remaining green spaces in our area, home to wildlife and a place where our community can enjoy nature safely.
“Keepmoat is planning a development overlooking this precious land, and it threatens to destroy habitats, displace wildlife, and permanently take away a space that belongs to all of us.
“Greenbelt land like Chellow Dean is irreplaceable.
“Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. The local community’s voice is being overlooked, and our environment should not be sacrificed for profit.
“Sign this petition to protect Chellow Dean and ensure our community and wildlife are put first. Together we can make sure this land is preserved for generations to come.”
One signatory said: “This is a local beauty spot and nature reserve that is used daily by a range of different people in the community for their benefit.
“Chellow Dean brings the countryside into urban Bradford. In an age where mental and physical health is declining, it is sheer madness to build over this wonderful area where residents can walk, jog, relax, visit with their children and dogs, enjoy nature and watch wildlife.”