Planning chiefs will consider several major schemes in Kirkees at their first meeting of the new year.

A proposal to build 74 houses on land off Walkley Terrace in Heckmondwike is recommended for approval.

Meanwhile, a proposal to build 29 houses on land off White Lee Road in Batley is also recommended for refusal. Local councillors have argued that the development, by Jones Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd constituted over-development on one of the last green spaces remaining in Batley and Spen.

Among the other projects up for debate or approval are a café/restaurant on Castle Hill, a cinema to be housed within Huddersfield’s Kingsgate shopping centre, and new university space within the Huddersfield County Court building.

Meanwhile, more than 600 homes are earmarked for land occupied by a fireworks factory at Crosland Moor, Huddersfield.

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee will debate the proposals on January 3.