Plans to move a historic monument “with iconic status throughout Spen Valley” have been turned down.

Originally erected in 1702 by Dr Richard Richardson in memory of his wife, the Grade II listed Oakenshaw Cross was previously at the junction of Wyke Lane, Cross Street, and Sykes Lane in Oakenshaw.

It was removed by the council in 2022 after being hit by several vehicles and has remained in storage ever since.

Over the years, the community has fought to try and get the cross repaired and reinstated in its original position.

An artist's impression of the Oakenshaw Cross in its proposed new location.

placeholder image — An artist's impression of the Oakenshaw Cross in its proposed new location.

But the council had another plan, seeking permission to move the cross to a new location – a grassy verge on Cross Street, around 20 metres to the north/north-west of its original location.

Supporting documents on behalf of Kirklees Council said that the cross’s original location was given first preference but studies showed that this would pose a risk to the long-term conservation of the cross and cause “unacceptable” highways safety risks.

But residents, who demonstrated their strength of feeling at Thursday’s meeting of the district-wide planning committee, begged to differ.

Speaking on behalf of a resident living on Wyke Lane, Katie Dingle, referenced an increase in the volume and speed of traffic using the route which is said to have worsened since the cross’s removal.

The original location of the Oakenshaw Cross.

She said: “We would really welcome the return of the cross to its original site, both for historical purposes and for traffic calming.

"Our village is being lost to industrial units springing up left, right and centre.

"As residents, we feel very strongly about retaining our village history for ourselves and for future generations.

“Additional traffic calming measures must be factored in here when deciding whether to return the cross in its original position, which is absolutely preferred, or to move it.”

Colin Berry, from the Spen Valley Civic society, said: “Apart from the last few years, the cross has survived intact and unharmed. It has iconic status throughout Spen Valley.

"The three incidents of damage are all of relatively recent origin and caused by large vehicles, as witnessed by residents.

“Highway safety is clearly very important but it is not resolved by the removal of the cross. Quite the opposite – the cross actually serves as a safeguard for highway safety by slowing down the traffic.”

All three ward councillors – Kath Pinnock, John Lawson and Andrew Pinnock – attended the meeting, speaking against the plans.

Councillor Kath Pinnock pointed out that the monument is one of just a few in the country that is dedicated to a woman.

She also said: “The cross is Oakenshaw. It sets it apart from other places on the outskirts of Bradford, right on the boundary with Kirklees.

"Moving it to a position where it isn’t visible removes that impact and is sending a message to the village that this icon that’s been there for more than 300 years is not important, and therefore villagers aren’t important either, and Oakenshaw is not important either. How is that recognising pride of place?”

Committee members refused the application on the grounds of the impact that would be caused by repositioning a heritage asset, its historical significance and the archaeological foundations present where the cross was originally sited.