149 new homes for farm land ?

The 4.5 hectare site off Rumble Road has been earmarked by Persimmon Homes for a combination of detached, semi-detached and terrace-style properties.

The company is proposing a single point of access from Rumble Road.

The site once formed part of the Kirklees greenbelt, but due to the surrounding development, including Bywell Junior School and Shaw Cross Business Park, it was argued that it should be developed.

To secure its future, the site was then classed as urban green space in the late 90s, meaning it should be protected from development.

However, Persimmon is arguing that Kirklees Council is failing to demonstrate a required five-year housing plan and the land should be reconsidered.

The application is yet to put before Kirklees Council planning committee, but a statement by Persimmon, reads: “The designation of the site as urban green space has been demonstrated to be flawed, and, given the lack of identified housing supply in Kirklees, it is requested that planning permission be granted at the earliest opportunity.

“The proposal is an attractive and well-designed residential development which balances a number of policy demands to achieve an optimal residential environment.

“The proposal would provide a safe, attractive and sustainable residential development which would help meet an identified housing needs.

“The site is in a highly sustainable location within walking distance of local schools, shops, places of work, parks and informal open spaces, and high frequency transport connections.”