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September 2017
Development’s green light angers residents By Danny Richardson
ANGRY locals have hit out at Kirklees planning officials after a controversial housing development in Scholes was given the green light – and have vowed to carry on fighting against other potential developments in the area. Disgruntled residents heckled Kirklees officials who recommended that 39 homes should be allowed off Cross Lane. Local councillors have also laid into planning and highways officers, claiming they were ignoring crucial issues. Objectors claimed the new estate by Miller Homes would cause a host of problems, most notably increasing traffic
congestion and the likelihood of accidents on the narrow roads between Holmfirth and New Mill. But Kirklees Highways officials deemed there were no major problems – and the application was supported by six votes for to five against. The announcement prompted boos and a cry of “rubbish” from members of the public present. Holme Valley South councillor Nigel Patrick attacked his own council’s highways team, claiming it was “utter nonsense” that the roads could cope. Coun. Ken Sims, also Holme Valley South, criticised the lack of consideration given to the emerging Local Plan – the council’s blueprint for building more than 30,000 homes. Many Scholes residents said
they were upset that the Cross Lane plan could be approved before the overall housing situation in the village was considered by the planning inspector in the coming months. Local organisation ‘Scholes Future Group’ has since responded to the plan – criticising the decision to pass the application while pledging to fight another potential development in the area. A spokesperson said: “On a positive note there have been many positive design changes to the original Miller plan following detailed and persistent objection from us and residents. “We collectively definitely made a difference which proves that doing nothing in these situations is defeatist and wrong.
“But our options are limited. We have considered complaining to the Local Government Ombudsman but there is a waiting list of up to three months for the Ombudsman due to their lack of resources. “We now expect an application may follow shortly on the other larger site in Scholes by Sandygate – that site being for over 140 houses. “It will have three times the negative effect on the village as the Miller one but because of that gives us much more weight to bear when objecting. “The battle definitely goes on and we are ready for it.” n What do you make of the council’s decision? Email your thoughts to news@ holmevalleyreview.co.uk
Award-winning Holme Valley artist Zoe Stainton is one of 12 from across the UK who have been selected to take part in a prestigious mentoring scheme. Full story on page 5.
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