Turkish firm ordered to dismantle illegal holiday homes and restore ancient Yorkshire woodland

Planning Inspector Paul Hocking rejected Azara Gid San’s appeal against Bradford Council’s enforcement notice, directing the firm to dismantle unauthorised holiday homes, concrete pads, septic tanks and associated fittings at Jacobs Farm in Silsden. The order includes clearing stockpiled material, removing an access track and restoring excavated areas within 12 months. While two holiday homes escaped demolition for being constructed later, the inspector mandated the planting of 100 trees—oak, silver birch, field maple, rowan, crab apple, hazel and hawthorn—within 20 months to compensate for the loss of ancient woodland.

The council had originally sought 300 replacement trees, but the reduced figure was accepted. Azara Gid San’s claim that the works pre-dated its purchase was dismissed, and the company must also pay the council’s enforcement costs. Wildlife groups highlighted the ecological importance of the 500-year-old forest, which hosts protected bats and breeding birds.