The loss of open space and greenfield sites within Mirfield boundaries has progressed at a considerable pace and should not be allowed to continue.
Undeveloped the site acts as a buffer zone, developed it could lead to further development and urban sprawl.
The well being of a community is affected by and dependent upon the availability of parkland and open spaces.
The visual outlook and therefore the enjoyment experienced by local residents will be affected by the loss of open fields, hedgerows, trees and wildlife, as they are replaced by brick and glass structures.
No amount of screening will lesson the impact or compensate for the loss of this amenity and i's recreation value.
The natural habitat of some wildlife and plant species will also be destroyed forever.
The increase in road traffic and the related problems of road congestion, safety and air pollution in the form of grit, dust, fumes and noise will affect the quality of life and health of local residents.
Mirfield, is presently gridlocked during peak periods. Problems occurring on the motorway, or roads leading onto it have a knock-on effect throughout the rest of Mirfield, particularly Sunnybank Road, Dunbottle and Church Lanes and onto the main Huddersfield/Dewsbury road. Satellite systems presently direct vehicles down this route onto the trading estates in Mirfield and Ravensthorpe.
The run-off from the hard landscaping will add to the problems of flooding already experienced by the residents of the SunnyBanks and Bright street.
The creation of new jobs will probably be limited as companies bring in their own trained staff, particularly at higher levels. In which case new posts are more likely to be limited to those for lower grade operatives, including those on the minimum wage.
The proposed retirement village (for mainly elderly residents, some without their own transport and with possible mobility problems), is in an area devoid of essential amenities, with no shops, doctors, dentists or banks etc, nearby. Residents will have to travel to Mirfield for these facilities. There are, at present, no public transport services into Mirfield.
While the intention may be to provide such a service, it is unlikely to be at times convenient to meet medical or dental appointments.
Recent history indicates that bus services are more likely to be cut than convenient services created.
Families moving into local homes vacated by the new residents of the retirement village, will place an added strain on the already overstretched local community services.
This is an ill-considered development and should be rejected and the land changed back to agricultural use within the Unitary Development Plan.

Harold Laycock
SunnyBank Avenue
Mirfield