‘Mirfield will benefit’ says developer

Bellway Homes submitted its plans to Kirklees Council last week to develop homes on Balderstone Fields, and has insisted the new builds would help Mirfield – but some residents and councillors are not so sure.

A spokeswoman for Bellway Homes said: “The proposed 135 new houses will assist in providing much-needed family homes for the area, in a district which is not currently meeting demand for new homes.

“This development will also bring a wide range of additional benefits to the wider community, including the creation of construction and supply chain jobs and additional customers for town centre businesses.”

The statement said 50 affordable homes would be provided as well as money for car parks and sporting facilities.

Mayor of Mirfield, Coun Vivien Lees Hamilton, said: “That statement reads like a glossy sales brochure.

“All new housing should benefit the town centre and I would like to see the town centre thrive. But housing should be built in appropriate locations and should not burden the infrastructure. The infrastructure around Mirfield is beyond saturation point on all fronts.”

Project Mirfield’s Steve Benson said: “Project Mirfield is planning a demonstration to object to the non-sustainable over-development of Mirfield.

“We cannot promise to stop any development but we will give it our best shot, and with help and support we will all try to shape the future of Mirfield for the better.”