Bradford City Council has granted full planning permission for Yorkshire Water’s flagship Esholt regeneration scheme, paving the way for a major mixed-use development centred around the operational wastewater treatment works near Bradford.
The project, led by Yorkshire Water’s strategic land specialist Keyland Developments, is one of the UK’s most ambitious circular economy regeneration schemes, combining sustainable infrastructure with new residential and commercial development.
The masterplan is designed to place the wastewater treatment works at the heart of the new community by supplying renewable heat, low-carbon energy and recycled water to homes and businesses, rather than treating the facility as industrial infrastructure hidden from public view.
Significant investment in advanced wastewater treatment technology has reduced the operational footprint of the site, releasing around 180 acres of predominantly brownfield land for redevelopment.
Following planning approval, Keyland Developments will begin selecting a development partner for the commercial elements of the scheme while also seeking a house builder to deliver the residential phase.
Land and planning director Luke Axe said: “To have full planning consent for Esholt enables us to move to the next phase of the delivery process, which is to seek like minded partners to bring the development to life.
“We have an incredible opportunity to create one of the UK’s most impressive and aspirational mixed use communities.”
The masterplan has been designed by Tate & Co in collaboration with sustainability consultant 3ADAPT and has already received recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as an exemplar of sustainable and environmentally responsible design.