Mirfield community says resounding ‘NO’ to ‘dangerous’ 75-new home plan as Coal Authority highlights ‘risk to public safety’

The planning application for Balderstone Fields, on land off Woodward Court, is now the fifth attempt since 1983 for a housing development at the site, with the previous four not getting off the ground.

Applicant, Bellway Homes, hopes its current attempt will see a different outcome and believes the changes it has made will overcome previous reasons for refusal.

The land was safeguarded in the council’s Local Plan, meaning no development would take place until at least 2031 when the plan expired. However, as Kirklees doesn’t have enough housing land to meet local need for the next five years - as is required by national policy - these sites can be considered for “sustainable” development.

Campaigners, however, have argued that the Bellway plans are not sustainable.

Under the plans, the estate would have an access and exit point from Woodward Court, which is in close proximity to Crossley Fields Junior and Infant School. Another, one way exit would also be provided, at Hepworth Lane. The applicant says the inclusion of an additional exit has taken on board residents’ feedback and pre-application advice, and would provide existing residents with an alternative route.

There have been 219 objections raised out of 222 public comments submitted to Kirklees Council, with the local outcry backed by a formal objection from the Coal Authority, which has “substantive concerns”, citing “probable shallow coal mine workings,” as well as risk to “surface stability and public safety.”

One local resident told the Reporter Series: “Four refusals to get planning permission in the past yet we are still having to fight to stop this dangerous development.”

Another resident from the Wellhouse Lane area added: “We understand that there are new interpretations about planning but the issues that have been raised every time remain the same. In many ways the concerns about safety have increased.

“In the worst case scenario, a child could be seriously injured or killed and no-one wants to see that.

“The danger of such an incident occurring has increased so much because the risks are greater with the possibility of another 150 vehicles and in particular another 75 children using the roads associated with the development.”

A spokesperson for the Save Mirfield campaign group, which was set up over 30 years ago, said: “We believe the increase in traffic will add to the daily chaos. It is simply impossible to safely separate construction and commuter traffic from vulnerable children. It will increase danger for cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders, and existing residents.

“Furthermore, the current plan differs from the one shown at the public consultation. It now shows a second one-way exit into Hepworth Lane, which is most definitely unsuitable for intensification. It is so narrow in parts that two cars cannot pass, and there is very limited pedestrian walkway.”

Bellway Homes said that as well as making changes to the application itself, the planning and highways situation facing Kirklees has “changed significantly” since its last application was submitted. It pointed out the absence of a five-year land supply as referenced above, and housing shortfall.

The spokesperson also highlighted a supporting transport assessment which says that since 2016, traffic flows on Wellhouse Lane have reduced by up to 14 per cent.

They added: “This land is safeguarded, meaning it has been deemed acceptable for residential development in the future by the council. Given the growing housing need in the immediate and short-term, we feel it is appropriate to submit a new planning application for this land.”

A target date for a decision to be made on the plans by Kirklees Council has been set for March 20, while members of the public have until February 6 to make a comment.