COUNCILLORS are being asked to take another look at a controversial planning application they refused in March.

Planning officers are concerned the reasons given at the Kirklees planning meeting may not be considered reasonable – particularly in the light of some new information.

The scheme is to redevelop the remaining section of Yorkshire Water’s old North Bierley water treatment works, which sits between the M62 and M606 at Oakenshaw.

The northern section of the site is already being turned into the Interchange 26 industrial park, but the southern section had been held back from development at National Highways request as it was needed if a new link road between the busy motorways was to progress.

Neither the Council’s Highways team or Highways England raised an objection at the time to the outline scheme for 130,000 sq ft of industrial space on the remaining land.

But councillors narrowly voted against the plans amid concerns that the land could still be required in the future for a highways scheme, and over fears about an increase in traffic on local roads.

Now a second report to the strategic planning committee details how the Council has gone back to Highways England, which has confirmed that it does not require the land.

“Any previous plans have been dropped as they were considered overly expensive and would offer limited benefit. Furthermore, they would be unwilling to support the Council in an appeal situation.”

The report also outlines how the applicant, Keyland Developments, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water, has agreed to remove “last mile parcel distribution” as a future use for any development.

It adds: “This use is, using the national TRICS vehicle movement database, a substantial contributor to vehicle movements as consists of high volumes of small vehicle movements. Its removal, securable via condition, would reduce vehicle movements attributed to the development, and therefore the impact on the roads identified in reason for refusal.”

The planning application will be discussed at a meeting on May 11, and members are once again being recommended to approve it.

At the meeting in March, Cleckheaton councillor Andrew Pinnock said he was concerned that while the scheme may not be included in the latest strategic plans from National Highways, the land could still be required in the future.

Councillors also raised concerns about the cumulative impact on Cliff Hollins Lane and Mill Carr Hill Road in Oakenshaw, which would be used to access both developments.