Bradford City Council has granted full consent for Yorkshire Water’s flagship Esholt scheme, clearing the way for a mixed use development around the operational wastewater treatment works near Bradford.

The project, conceived by Yorkshire Water’s strategic land business Keyland Developments, is one of Britain’s most ambitious circular economy developments.

It is designed to put the treatment works at the heart of the community, supplying renewable heat, power and recycled water to homes and businesses instead of treating the site as industrial infrastructure to be screened off.

Years of investment in advanced wastewater treatment technology have dramatically reduced the operational footprint of the plant, freeing up around 180 acres of largely brownfield land for redevelopment.

Wastewater treatment works land to be developed

With planning secured, Keyland will now begin the search for a development partner for the commercial element while seeking a house builder to deliver the residential phase.

Esholt community plan

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 was designed by Tate & Co with sustainability consultant 3ADAPT and has already been recognised by RIBA as an exemplar for sustainable design.