Eco-homes plan rejected by Kirklees Council

Kirklees Council’s Planning and Highways Committee threw out the plans submitted by Ponderosa owner and developer Howard Cook.

Mr Cook has spent three years attempting to get permission to build on green belt land, just off Smithies Lane, in Heckmondwike.

During a lively debate attended by both supporters of the scheme and objectors, the committee ruled by a narrow margin that the development would be an inappropriate use of green belt land.

Five councillors voted in favour, with five against, and one abstention. Chairman Coun Christine Smith (Cons, Kirkburton) cast the deciding vote to reject the plans.

Green belt campaigners, who opposed the the development, said the decision was ‘a victory for local communities’.

*For the full story see the Spenborough Guardian on Friday.