Birkenshaw land goes up for auction sparking fears among residents and club members over housing plans
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The Kirklees Council-owned land, at Croft Street, which backs on to Birkenshaw Liberal Club, has a residential housing allocation of 28 units in the local plan and went under the hammer in October but failed to be sold.
The site had previously held planning permission for 34 houses but that has since expired.
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Hide AdBidding opened at 10am this morning (Tuesday, November 7) and will conclude at 3.34pm tomorrow (Wednesday, November 8) for the plot of land which comprises over two acres and has a guide price of £850,000 plus.
However, concerns have been raised by members of the club that the sale of the land for any future development could have an impact on a number of issues, including the loss of habitat for wildlife, a significant loss of parking and space around the club’s grounds and access for emergency and heavy goods vehicles.
Ian Stuart, a member of the Liberal Club and a committee member of Birkenshaw Bluedogs ARLFC which is based from the club, said:
“Our concern is that our home for the past 20 years will no longer be able to cope if there is a significant loss of parking and the rugby club will shoulder blame for cars parked on adjoining roads.
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Hide Ad“The beer garden area is used for post-game presentations at every age group and children play in this area as it is the only green, maintained, area around the building. If this area is not retained there will be a real loss of not just space but club spirit and tradition.
“The area itself is awash with urban wildlife, including owls, bats, hedgehogs, squirrels, birds and foxes. Where do these animals go?
“Kirklees Council has known about all these issues and hasn’t addressed them. They could have consulted with all parties - the Liberal Club, the rugby club and local residents - before putting the land up for auction. Any purchaser will have a great deal to sort out.”
A petition opposing the proposed sale of the land has also been set up by Birkenshaw resident, Georgina King, which can be viewed here: https://www.change.org/p/halt-housing-development-on-croft-street-to-protect-local-wildlife-and-increase-green-spaces?recruiter=648330725&recruited_by_id=7adeaf00-bbf3-11e6-9e90-433f7ce2b27f&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard_share_modal&utm_medium=facebook_messenger
Kirklees Council has been approached for comment.