Affordable housing planned for waste-transfer site

Above: skip-business owner Chris Atkinson is pictured by part of his land where housing aimed at young couples could be built. Mr Atkinson, who is the town mayor and a Bradford district councillor, has submitted an outline plan for 20 homes. The site, bordered by The Green and Bradley Road, is bisected by a ghyll, which would be filled in and the stream piped. He envisages "affordable and sustainable" two and three-bedroomed houses being built for young or elderly couples.  

Above: Councillor Atkinson is pictured at the business part of the site, which has a 60-year association with scrap metal. It periodically has angered neighbouring residents. The site became a waste-transfer station when environmental legislation led to the introduction of skips. The land was part of High Green Farm and housed hen huts until passing to Councillor Atkinson's late father, Trevor, in 1955. Trevor Atkinson and his close friend Peter Narey were well-known dealers for many years.

Above: Throstle Nest Farm, demolished in 1926, stood on the site adjacent to Bradley Road. Foundations beyond the gate in the first photograph may be those of the old farm cottages. This photograph and the picture below were published in books by the late Neil Cathey.

Above: another view of Throstle Nest. A nail-maker's smithy adjoined the two farm cottages.

Above: this characterful-looking couple pictured at Bolton Road End are Johnny Munro and Tom Mason. The Munro family had occupied Throstle Nest since the early 1860s.