Castle could have stood on land set for new homes

An archaeological study to check for remains of a medieval castle will have to take place before new houses can be built.

Bradford Council has granted planning permission for 94 homes on Coolgardie Farm in Crossflatts.

However, under the conditions of approval, developers Avant Homes Yorkshire must employ an archaeologist to study the site for evidence a castle once stood on the land.

The West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service (WYAAS) said a castle "or similar feature", possibly dating back to the medieval period, could have stood in this area.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, centuries-old maps of the area refer to a "Bailey Hill" - a bailey is the outer courtyard of a castle - near the site of the development.

The land to the north and north west of Coolgardie Farm has also long been known as "Castle Fields".

"These references suggest there was once a castle or similar feature in this area," WYAAS said.

"The exact location is uncertain, as was its extent. This would probably have been a medieval castle, but this has not been confirmed."

The group said it was "likely" there would have been a village or town associated with the castle.

An archaeological study has never taken place on the land off Keighley Road, which was previously earmarked for a £30m business park.

Those plans collapsed in 2008 amid the global financial crisis and the land has since remained empty.

Although no evidence of a castle is visible, WYAAS said it wants to rule out any possibility of the housing development concreting over a potentially historically significant site.

Planning officers said the site "represents a sustainable and appropriate location for a residential use, well served by public transport, within a short distance of local amenities and compatible with surrounding land uses".

The new homes "will make an important contribution to the housing targets within this area", they added.

The developers have also agreed to make 20% of the homes affordable.

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