Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has stressed the damaging impact new housing projects across his constituency will put on local services. In a parliamentary debate on ‘General practice capacity for large-scale housing developments’, Moore highlighted his concerns that whilst planning applications for housebuilding are submitted right across the constituency, there is no consideration for the additional strain this could put on local GPs.
Moore recently met with representatives from the Modality Partnership who warned that they currently face difficulties delivering the required service provision, which will only be made worse if proposals for large housing developments in the area are approved.
Bradford Council recently announced their plans for up to 3000 new homes to be built on green belt land across Keighley and Ilkley. This includes a proposed 314 houses in Ilkley and Ben Rhydding and 204 houses in Haworth and Cross Roads. Moore specifically mentioned an ongoing case in Silsden where the company Persimmon homes has submitted an application to build 140 new homes. He highlighted his opposition to such plans, particularly in this case considering that this would put serious pressure on local services such as GPs. Moore stated his support for proposals for there to be a statutory duty allowing local healthcare providers to have a say in planning applications.
Robbie Moore MP said: “I am fed up with endless large scale housing developments being approved without any consideration for the pressures they will put on local services. This includes General Practices, who too often receive no extra support, even if Bradford Council approve a large-scale housing development right on their doorstep.
What we are seeing in Keighley and Ilkley is plans for huge housing developments, without a single idea for how local GPs will be able to help. Recently we have seen plans submitted for 140 new homes off Bolton Road in Silsden, yet there are no proposals to increase the service provision of the Silsden Medical Practice.
I am very supportive of calls for local service providers such as GPs to be granted a mandatory say in any future planning applications. This is the only way we can ensure that capacity is delivered for healthcare at a local level.”
