Water treatment works redevelopment plans lodged

Plans have been lodged for the redevelopment of part of a water treatment works site in West Yorkshire to provide new homes and commercial space.Yorkshire Water and sister company Keyland Developments have submitted a planning application to Bradford City Council to transform redundant land around the Esholt Waste Water Treatment Works.The 32-acre site is located close to both Leeds and Bradford. As a result of advances in technology, the operational footprint of the site has reduced significantly over recent years, leaving large areas of formerly operational land redundant and unused.Planning permission is sought to develop about 1.08 million sq ft of work spaces on the site. A mix of industries would be accommodated, 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. This element of the scheme is designed to address a shortage of employment space in the surrounding area for growing Bradford businesses or relocating companies, with neighbouring business parks operating at full or close to capacity.The masterplan also includes an element of sustainable housing, with 150 homes, ranging from one-bedroom maisonettes to five-bedroom detached houses, proposed.The scheme also includes shared recreation spaces as well as sustainable transport routes to encourage walking and cycling through the site.The Esholt team comprises Tate Harmer, an architects’ practice focused on sustainability and natural environments; sustainability consultants 3 ADAPT; and independent integrated planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore.