Bradford Council to Acquire Land for Housing Amid Untraceable Ownership

Residential properties are planned for construction on a plot of land that the council has characterized as an “eyesore.” Bradford councillors previously sanctioned proposals to utilize legal authority to acquire the site during a meeting. According to a council spokesperson, the proprietor of the property situated on Wealdheare Street within the Bolton Woods district remains untraceable. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw stated that the parcel of land had “been a blight on nearby houses for years.” A council spokesperson indicated that the land faced the prospect of staying “unused and unproductive” without the approval of a compulsory purchase order. The site is slated for development as an element of a broader regeneration initiative. Hanaa Obeid, 42, who resides across from the plot, commented: “I think it’s a good idea, because in this area there are not too many buildings.” She also mentioned that individuals had discarded refuse on the land, making it appear “ugly.” The proposed new residential units are intended to be incorporated into the New Bolton Woods regeneration project. This project encompasses proposals for 1,000 residences, in addition to a new Aldi supermarket and a Costa Coffee drive-thru. Miroslav Hajas also lives directly opposite the land. He observed that children played on the plot and further remarked: “I think it’s quite dangerous because nobody cares about this piece of land.” Mr Hajas, 45, expressed that a green space would be “one thousand times” superior to houses, but he would nonetheless welcome the land being repurposed. Ross-Shaw, who serves as the council’s executive member for regeneration, planning, and transport, stated: “As a local councillor for the area I know this site has been a blight on nearby houses for years. “Despite our best efforts an owner cannot be identified, so using a compulsory purchase order could bring the site into worthwhile use, create new homes and remove an eyesore for local residents.”