The $1.05 million gamble that went wrong

Bradford Metropolitan District Council has issued a stern warning to Azara Gid San, a Turkish agricultural firm that purchased Jacobs Hill Farm in Silsden, West Yorkshire, for £1.05 million two years ago.

The council's enforcement notice demands the demolition of illegally built holiday homes and the replanting of 300 trees to compensate for the loss of the protected habitat .

Azara Gid San allegedly cleared hundreds of trees from the 500-year-old woodland to construct holiday lodges, septic tanks, and access tracks without obtaining planning permission.

300 trees to make up for the loss

The council has set a six-month deadline from March 3 for reversing all land changes and mandated that 300 trees be replanted by March 2027 to repair what it describes as the 'irreplaceable' woodland.

The woodland is recognized for its rich ground flora and its role as a sanctuary for protected species, including bats and breeding birds.

The council asserts that the development has harmed the openness of the Green Belt, diminished the Airedale Landscape, and negatively impacted the biodiversity of the South Pennine Moors Special Protection Area.

Azara Gid San's appeal: an innocent party or a culprit?

Azara Gid San has appealed the enforcement notice, claiming it is an 'innocent party' and that all construction work was completed before it acquired the property.

The company's planning consultant, Sam Dewar of Dewar Planning Associates, criticized the council for misinterrpreting planning policy and for being 'extremely disappointing' and 'very aggressive' in its approach.

The appeal also highlights that the holiday accommodations complement existing permitted lets on the land and support the local economy, especially following the Bradford City of Culture 2025 festivities .

The wildlife advocates' plea:save the ancient woodland

Wildlife advocates have condemned the deforestation, with Penny Hunt, Co-Founder of Yorkshire Dales Wildlife Rescue, emphasizing that ancient woodlands are 'incredibly special' and 'absolutely irreplaceable,' providing vital, secure habitats for wildlife whose populations are already in a precarious state.

Property records from Carter Jonas Estate Agents indicate the farm was sold two years ago, with listings referencing other properties on the land but omitting any details about the extensive works .

Database searches suggest Azara Gid San's primary business involves the production and export of cooking items like olive oil and spices in Turkey, raising questions about its involvement in UK property development.