Decision due over 400 homes on former green belt in Cleckheaton

Both the site at Merchant Fields in Hunsworth, and Whitechapel Road, were earmarked for development in Kirklees Council's Local Plan for development in 2019.

The larger of the two sites, Merchant Fields, involves a scheme for 267 homes by Harron Homes, and more than 100 residents have objected to it.

In the plans, Harron Homes said the site would “create a sustainable residential development that supports the existing community and respects the positive features of the site”.

Initially the application was to build a total of 298 homes on the 12 hectare site, which spans five adjoining fields of unused agricultural grazing land.

But the scheme was reviewed and the layout amended, dropping the number of homes by 31.

Of the 112 objections, local residents raised concerns over various issues, including loss of green belt land, unsuitable access, a lack of affordable housing, damage to air quality and added pollution from the development, fears over flooding risks, poor public transport links in the area and the loss of hedgerow.

The site at Merchant Fields in Hunsworth, where Harron Homes wants to build 267 homes. Picture: Google Maps

Local councillor Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem) has raised a number of concerns, and has called for a decision to be deferred due to "too many unknowns for members to make an informed decision".

In a report to the committee, planners state that the scheme is made up of around 80 per cent detached homes with the remainder being semi-detached and terraced..

All the homes are two storeys in height and a variety of materials would be used, including red brick with red tile, as well as artificial stone with grey tile.

They add: "The two points of vehicular access allow traffic to and from the development to be split and spread across the highway network. The layout of the site is such that the development should not be attractive as a shortcut or ‘rat run’ between the A58 and Hunsworth Lane."

The site at Whitechapel Road in Cleckheaton, where Barratt Homes wants to build 122 homes. Picture: Google Maps

The Whitechapel Road site is 4.5 hectares, consists of several fields, and is bordered by a pub, church and a school, as well as the busy M62 motorway.

Barratt Homes wants to build 122 homes, 1 to 4 bedroom in size and a new t-junction would be created as access to the development.

Initially the application was for 160 homes, then reduced to 133, and has now been brought down further.

There have been 49 objections to the scheme, raising fears over the loss of green fields, air and noise pollution problems for future residents of homes close to the M62, as well as that the road is too narrow to accommodate that much extra traffic.

Whitechapel Primary School and two local councillors have also raised their concerns.

A report to the meeting states: "The application site is relatively well contained and the proposed dwelling units would be set behind a landscape area. Therefore, the proposed dwelling houses would not immediately abut the nearest mid-20th century residential estate to the south. Thus, the site lends itself to establishing a new built development with a different character and appearance."

Both developments are being recommended for approval when the strategic planning committee meets tomorrow.