Some of Kirklees’ most major planning applications are set to come to a head next year, with the council under pressure to up the number of homes.
Often generating a lot of debate, this year has seen some controversial plans approved. In recent weeks alone, plans for 77 new homes in Liversedge and another application for 21 homes at Holmbridge got the green light despite having well over 100 objections apiece.
However, with the national housing crisis and an inadequate supply of land for housing in Kirklees, the council is under pressure to get homes built, with the latter making it more difficult for the local authority to turn down applications that could have previously been regarded unsuitable.
Below are five of the largest housing developments that are rumbling on and likely to come to a conclusion in 2025.
Land to the rear of 271 Cliffe Lane – 97 homes
An aerial view of the fields off Cliffe Lane in Gomersal
(Image: Google)
Under the original plans from Quarters Gomersal Ltd, 87 homes would have been brought to the fields to the rear of 271 Cliffe Lane but now, this figure has been upped to 97 through the addition of two blocks of flats. The property at 271 would need to be demolished to create access to the development.
Seventy-nine comments have been received, with one resident writing: “The village of Gomersal is losing its identity and rural nature. The green spaces so important to the health of local residents are being removed at an alarming rate. Existing brown field sites should be given priority for housing development if additional housing is required in the area, not removing greenfields and natural vegetation.”
Another commented: “During adverse weather conditions, due to the exposed nature of the site, the householders are unlikely to be able to get their vehicles onto the site and therefore will have to park on Cliffe Lane and the adjacent roads, making it even narrower and more dangerous.”
Land adjacent to Ashbourne Drive – 67 Homes
A view of the Lower Blacup Farm site
(Image: Newett Homes)
This plot of farmland in Cleckheaton will be turned into a “luxury” housing development, if plans from Newett Homes, Martin House and Alistair Richard Wood, get the council’s approval. The 67 homes would be brought to Lower Blacup Farm which sits to the west of Ashbourne Drive.
Ordinarily, the council requires developments of over 10 homes or more to contain 20 percent affordable housing. However, the application documents say this is not possible due to issues around “viability”, with this subject to testing.
The plans have received 38 objections from the local community, with one resident writing: “This is going to disrupt traffic even more than it is already, the schools around this area are overcrowded and have lowered their intake. The Doctor’s has already suffered with the new housing built on Bradford Road near the marsh area.”
Land North East of Shepley Road – 50 homes
Stocksmoor residents and Cllr John Taylor next to the site earmarked for development
(Image: Abigail Marlow)
With 307 comments on the application, and a community steering group formed in opposition, the plans for a plot of greenfield land off Shepley Road have proved highly controversial. Residents have been left hugely concerned by the plans, not least due to the proposed access point being located on a ‘blind bend’.
The land was previously safeguarded in Kirklees Council’s Local Plan, meaning no development would take place until at least 2031 when the plan expired. However, with the local authority looking to boost its housing land supply after falling short of the national five-year requirement, these sites are now up for grabs for “sustainable” development.
Commenting on the plans, one resident said: “This application clearly has been made without any real thought about the area in which the building would take place. The area of Stocksmoor is quiet with very little activity, minimal overcrowding and traffic. The addition of 50 houses would dramatically increase all of these. To the point it would be detrimental to the area.”
Clough Farm – 26 homes
The plot of land off Long Lane, Earlsheaton
(Image: eleven52architects)
Residents expressed their fears on plans for 26 homes in Earlsheaton – a village on the outskirts of Dewsbury. The properties would be brought to a plot of farmland off Long Lane, with Chickenley Beck to the east.
Under the plans, from Wordsworth Property Developments Ltd, 20 of homes would have three bedrooms, with six more two-bedroomed quarter houses. All of the properties would be affordable, with some to go up for sale and others available to rent.
Residents are not convinced by the plans, with eight comments submitted in objection. One person wrote: “With an already not fit for purpose road, and less than ever space to drive past current cars in the area, the sheer number of extra vehicles this will bring is unmanageable and unsafe. You’ll also be building on an area of land that is populated by bats, a protected species that should not be disturbed.”
A decision was expected in August but is yet to be made, with further information on certain aspects of the development requested by Kirklees Council.
Land North of Denby Lane – 21 homes
The proposed layout of the 21 homes
(Image: Orion Homes)
Another application awaiting a council decision is from Orion Homes, seeking to build 21 properties on a plot of agricultural land to the north of Denby Lane at Grange Moor.
The site makes up part of a housing allocation in the council’s Local Plan, with the entire area expected to hold around 42 homes. To the south west is another housing allocation with an application for 10 homes and greenbelt land sits to the north and east.
Residents have voiced their concerns around the plans, with one writing in response to the application: “I am wheelchair dependent and am concerned about the amount of traffic this development would bring.
“Denby Lane is a narrow road with no pavements suitable for a wheelchair user, the road is also used by people on horses from the local farms and quite a few dog walkers all of whom have to use the road past these proposed developments, the traffic already using this route makes it dangerous to going up the road.”
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