One objector to the scheme said the decision “doesn’t inspire my confidence in local democracy”. An application to build over 40 homes on a field – known as the Willows – next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, was refused by members of Bradford Council’s regulatory and appeals committee last year. Members felt that the vehicular access to the site, off Hainsworth Road, was inadequate to support a housing estate of that size. Applicant Mick Smith appealed that decision, but his appeal was dismissed by a planning inspector last summer. The inspector dismissed the appeal because there was not enough affordable housing included in the plans, but disagreed with the council’s decision that the access to the site was inadequate.