A FORMER water treatment works is to be turned into a new industrial park, creating an estimated 800 jobs.

Developer Keyland has won planning permission for the scheme, on the 57-acre site of the former North Bierley water treatment works near the M62’s Chain Bar junction.

Kirklees Council had originally deferred a planning decision because of highways concerns, but has now approved the plans.

Peter Garrett, Keyland’s managing director, welcomed the news.

He said: “Securing approval to bring back into use the strategically important North Bierley site is an excellent result and we are delighted that such an extensive and well-located site will now be able to achieve its full potential.

“The demand for new industrial and distribution space to support the growing needs of regional businesses is well documented and, in addition to facilitating some 800 new jobs, this scheme can protect the long-term needs of local and regional occupiers and potentially welcome inward investment to the area.”

Thirty per cent of the park will be set aside for general industrial use, with 70 per cent for storage and distribution.

Keyland is a sister company to Yorkshire Water.

It has been operating across Yorkshire for over 20 years, regenerating Yorkshire Water’s redundant sites.