Traffic Lights Delayed A Decade Due To Council Agreement Error

Bradford Council approved 600 houses near Fagley Quarry a decade ago. Developers had to install traffic lights at a key junction. The Harrogate Road/Moorside Road area still lacks lights. Much of the housing development is now finished though.

Councillor Stubbs mentioned this at a council meeting recently. He learned an “error” delayed the traffic lights. This error was in the latest agreement with the developers. He represents Eccleshill as a Lib Dem member.

Stubbs said the council agreed with landowners in March 2015. The agreement covered development conditions. These conditions aimed to lessen disruption. Local roads, schools, and amenities were included. The agreement clearly stated traffic lights were needed. This remained when updated with Keepmoat Homes in 2020.

Stubbs questioned the traffic light installation for years. He believed installation was near based on updates. Equipment was supposedly ordered, and agreements were settled. He was told it seemed none of that was true back in October.
No agreement existed with Keepmoat, nor were lights ordered yet.

The junction sees heavy use. Turning right is hard during busy times. Minor accidents and near misses happen often. Pedestrians and cyclists also struggle there.

Stubbs asked what the council plans to do now. He wondered how they will ensure Keepmoat provides the lights. He also questioned what apologies the council offers residents. These residents live daily with the unfulfilled condition.

Councillor Ross Shaw responded. He acknowledged frustration over the traffic lights. He said an error was noticed late in the agreement stage. This error required approved plan changes. This avoided wasted work at the site.

Ross Shaw stated finding the error late was unfortunate. Yet, it’s better than during construction. The developer gave revised plans. The draft agreement is back for signing. After signing, they can seek a permit. They plan to start work before Spring (Q2).

Ross Shaw promised regular updates to ward members. This will continue until the work wraps up. Stubbs invited Ross Shaw to the tenth anniversary. He wanted him to explain the delay to residents.

Ross Shaw hopes it will be done before then. He said it is frustrating, yet spotting the error helps. Stubbs told the Telegraph & Argus about near misses. He feels sympathy for the area’s residents.

Stubbs added this benefits the council. Developers are paying for junction improvements. He thinks it should be a simple solution. He ended noting they should just get it done.