Major Huddersfield village development “will bring no value to local people”, say objectors

Residents have spoken out against plans for a massive Lindley development, with a decision due to be made later this week.

A ‘hybrid’ planning application has been submitted to Kirklees Council to build on 6.3 hectares of green land off Lindley Moor Road, approx 450m west of Ainley Top roundabout. The land is part of the site named ‘MXS3’ in the council’s Local Plan, which has been earmarked for housing and increased employment opportunities.

Being a hybrid application, the developer – 2SH Developments – wants full planning permission for part of the application and outline permission for the rest.

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Full planning permission would cover a warehouse, complete with access, parking and earthworks, while general permission covers plans for a restaurant, industrial units and office space.

With the proposed scheme considered to be a “major development” and receiving a large number of objections, the application will be decided by the Strategic Planning Committee.

Writing in opposition to the plans, one resident said: “This proposed development would be of no value to local residents. However, it would cause further congestion on the roads in this area, which are already overcrowded. Certain roads, such as Yew Tree, which have become rat-ridden, deteriorate rapidly and reach a state where they are not fit for purpose.”

Another commented: “This patch of land is one of the last fields left in the area on the south side of the M62. The development would be right on the skyline and dominate the surrounding area. The Calderdale side of the motorway will continue to have plenty of green space, while the Kirklees side will have lost it all, forever.

“The facilities to be provided by the development do not seem to align with what local residents really need (improved GP services, school places). We already know that pollution from traffic on the M62 has an impact on the health of local residents.

“Traffic levels will not decrease, so attention should be paid to retaining as much green space and planting as possible.”

However, council officers recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions. The council’s report said: “Overall, the proposal would be an effective and efficient use of local plan allocation and would promote employment locally, which is welcome.”

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