Kirklees councillors have put off a decision on a controversial planning application to build factories on open land in Birkenshaw. Members of the Council's heavy woollen area planning sub-committee were yesterday recommended to approve the application, submitted to Bradford Council by Commercial Development Projects.

The Elland-based company wants to put up buildings for light industrial use at Cross Lane near the A650 Drighlington by-pass. Residents have already scuppered an application by Prince's Soft Drinks to build a factory there and are objecting to the latest plans.

Kirklees councillors have to approve the proposal because it is on the border with their district. But Birstall and Birkenshaw ward councillors Brian Snelson and Austin Calvert successfully moved for the item to be deferred to the sub-committee's next meeting on September 24 so members can go on a site visit before voting on the application.

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