Work to build 156 new affordable homes in Silsden, West Yorkshire, is now underway.

Lindum York, based in Elvington, is building the homes on behalf of Yorkshire Housing.

So far, the site has been cleared, ground works have been carried out and Plots 1 and 2 have started to take shape. Once complete, the development will breathe new life into a derelict parcel of old industrial land in the town.

The scheme will include construction of 36 homes for affordable rent and 44 homes which will be offered on a rent-to-buy basis. There will also be 76 homes built for sale on a shared ownership basis. Of these, six will have two bedrooms, 62 will have three bedrooms and eight will have four bedrooms. The work will take just over two years to complete.

Lindum Director James Nellist said the site used to be home to a weaving mill which was demolished in 2013 and had become a magnet for fly-tipping in recent years.

“This development will make huge difference to Silsden. While the rest of the town is picturesque, this bit of land has been derelict and has become an eyesore,” he said.

“The new homes will be built from stone to complement the surrounding area and there will be an area of public open space to the south of the site.

“Throughout construction, we will be working with local contractors and suppliers and we are keen to hear from any companies in the area who may be able to work with us on the project.”

The 5.8 hectare site lies between Keighley Road and Sykes Lane, near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. It had previously been earmarked for a supermarket and filling station.
In 2018, plans for housing on the site were approved and then last year, finer details of the proposals, including the design of the houses and the internal road layouts, were approved by Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee.

The scheme is being brought forward thanks to a joint venture between Lindum and Yorkshire Housing.

Mr Nellist added: “We identified the land and took it to Yorkshire Housing, which was actively looking for a suitable site for its next development of affordable homes.  “This project represents an extension of our relationship, as we are already working together to develop a site at Hull Road, in York.”

Commenting of the approved plans for Silsden, Andy Gamble Executive Director Growth and Assets at Yorkshire Housing, said: “We’re delighted to be starting work on yet another site that will deliver much needed affordable homes for rent and home ownership on a brownfield site. This will help to meet a pressing affordable housing need in the Bradford district and in particular affordable home ownership.

“Silsden is a mixed tenure development delivered through our Strategic Partnership with Homes England and it will contribute towards our Growth Strategy, of delivering 8,000 new homes by 2030. We will invest over £30m in this development and continues our strong record of delivery in the Bradford area.”