A DECISION is expected next week on plans to build ten retirement bungalows on land in Liversedge.

Johnnie Johnson Housing Association, which is based in Cheshire, has submitted the plans for the 0.35 hectare site off Sixth Avenue.

The organisation is a not-for-profit housing association which aims to offer high-quality homes for independent living.

It provides housing and services for older people and has in its portfolio purpose-built retirement properties available for rent, shared ownership and leasehold.

The plans themselves are for three one-bedroom bungalows and seven two-bed bungalows in a mix of detached, semis and terrace styles.

Local councillor David Hall (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) has requested that the application go before a planning committee at Kirklees Council amid concerns over the loss of open and recreation space and traffic issues.

There have been a total of seven objections from those living nearby, with some people have written to planners more than once.

The main concerns highlighted include, the loss of the only available bit of green space on the Windy Bank estate and extra traffic exacerbating existing visibility and parking difficulties on the busy road.

One objector wrote: "This is the most hideous, lowest, cheapest type of housing you can build and quite frankly it's going to be an eye sore; it reeks of deprivation and poverty even before it's built."

Another wrote: "There are many cats that live on Mowat Court who will be at risk of extra traffic."

A report to the Council's strategic planning committee states that Spen Valley Civic Society has also objected, adding that the organisation "accepts the need for this type of housing for elderly people but believes this is the wrong type of housing design and arrangements for the elderly".

It adds that the site was identified as a small affordable housing site within the Kirklees Big Build scheme in September 2018.

"The Big Build identifies 8 small affordable housing sites across the whole district including this site. there is a stipulation on each of these sites that they provide 100% affordable housing.

"The site is surrounded by dwelling son all four sides and located in a sustainable location with community facilities and shops available on Hightown Road," the report adds.

"Also the site is well connected to the public transport network, and the Community Centre on Windy Bank. As such there is no objection to the principle of residential development on this site."

The report concludes that while it is accepted that the site is "currently open in nature", it is "not protected as urban greenspace, and the open plan character, and low rise nature of the development are considered satisfactory and appropriate in relation to the neighbouring Mowat Court."

As a result the plans are recommended for approval subject to the signing off a legal agreement amounting to £8,734 to provide public open space off site.

A previous planning application for 12 two-storey homes by Kirklees Council Strategic Housing Services on the site was turned down in 2010.

This was due to insufficient visibility splays and typology.

The meeting takes place on February 27, at Huddersfield Town Hall, at 1pm.