CAMPAIGNERS have lost their battle to prevent 39 homes being built on urban green space in Cleckheaton following a planning inquiry.

Nearby residents have long objected to Strata Homes’ controversial proposals to build on the fields off New Lane in the town.

The scheme, which has reduced from 51 homes, was refused by Kirklees Council planners 16 months ago.

But that decision has now been overturned by a Government planning inspector following a four-day inquiry held in December.

In making his decision Matthew Nunn gives significant weight to the Council not being able to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing in the borough.

He also believes the urban green space designation, which was confirmed in the authority’s unitary development plan made more than 20 years ago, “should be treated with some caution”.

In addition he finds that the location is “less sensitive to new development” compared to the more open urban green space land to the east.

But Cleckheaton councillor Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem), who objected to the housing development at December’s inquiry, said the land had been urban green space for much longer, and was expected to retain the same designation in Kirklees’ emerging Local Plan which is is currently being drafted.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: “I can’t fault the detail of the report but the inspector comes to the wrong conclusion in that the Council’s lack of a five year housing supply trumps everything else.

“The site has a long history of being urban green space and it would still be green space in the emerging Local Plan.

“Residents are really cross at this decision.”

He added that the Council is currently considering its legal options over the result of the appeal.

Campaigner and local resident Graeme Raisbeck said the inspector had allowed the developer’s appeal “after three years of battle, citing no five year housing supply in Kirklees so green space loses protection, yet we showed them a five years supply in Cleckheaton”.

“The inspector treats Kirklees like a city so any Kirklees supply shortfalls can be applied to Cleckheaton, when Cleckheaton has a constant supply of housing.”

He added that the decision was “ludicrous” and residents were seeking advice on possible legal action over access issues at Pearson Street.

The scheme involves building a selection of two, three, four and five-bedroom properties on the land.

A spokesman for for the developer said: “Strata is extremely pleased to finally have planning permission for 39 homes at New Lane Cleckheaton.

“Our efforts are now focused on the development, which we hope to start in the summer.”

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