Bradford City Council has ordered the demolition of four holiday cabins illegally built on ancient woodland at Jacobs Woods Farm in Silsden, Yorkshire. The structures, along with concrete pads, a septic tank, and an access track, were constructed without permission, causing substantial tree loss.
Enforcement Notice Issued
The council issued an enforcement notice requiring all construction to cease and the buildings to be removed within six months. Additionally, the landowners must plant 300 trees to compensate for damage to the irreplaceable woodland. Drone images show the holiday homes spread across 33 acres of land purchased in October 2024 for £1.05 million.
Appeal Lodged
The owners are appealing the decision, arguing the holiday lets promote tourism and that all works were completed before they bought the site. A public hearing is scheduled for July 21. The appeal claims the tree-planting requirement is excessive and uncalculated.
However, the council maintains the development has harmed the green belt, altered the landscape character, and negatively impacted biodiversity. Google Earth images confirm no development existed before May 2025.
