Gomersal residents fear new development of homes will tower over neighbours

Previously, permission was granted to developers PPJ Development to create 10 new dwellings on four hectares of unoccupied land near Moor Lane.

Yet debates over the layout and appearance were brought to Kirklees Council’s planning committee on June 11 after concerns for the proposal of six three-bedroom houses, two four-bedroom houses and two five-bedroom houses.

During the meeting, residents shared fears that the proposals initially called for six three-bedroom houses and four four-bedroom houses, and that the changes would result in issues such as “physical dominance” from the tenth plot over the neighbouring house at Summerdale.

Charles Buchanan, 79, explained how he had enjoyed “uninterrupted sunlight” for 20 years at the property but would now be subject to an “unacceptable loss of light” if the tenth plot were to be built as a five-bed dwelling.

Addressing the committee, Mr Buchanan claimed the distance between properties had been measured “incorrectly” stating that due to the angle of the measurements, plot 10 would be “15 feet closer than it should be” and stand “more than 13 and a half feet higher”.

This was seconded by Reform UK Councillor John Hardie, who stated that with the property at Summerdale “at least two metres lower”, the neighbouring building would be “quite austere”.

Meanwhile, other neighbours raised further worries about the proposed waste disposal being a “nightmare” and that there had been “no plans” for any five-bedroom dwellings initially.

Resident Judy Athey, 72, said: “Deliveries and removal vans will be a logistical nightmare for the plots down the private drive.

“The proposal does not work because the houses are too large for the shape and size of the site.”

Husband, Graham Athey, 75, also addressed the committee with similar concerns.

“The plans submitted by PPJ show houses which are now too close to each other,” he said.

“Gomersal does not need any further developments of this type. What is needed is more affordable two and three-bedroom houses to serve the community.”

During the meeting, Reform UK Councillor Bill Armer also expressed concern that there may be too many properties “shoehorned” into the space.

In response to their comments, representatives for PPJ Development assured that the proposal would be of the “same high quality” as what had already been delivered by PPJ at Copper Beach View.

Speaking on behalf of PPJ Development, Chris Creighton said: “The proposal before you today will be of the same high quality, and is looking to create 10 new family homes, including one for the developer’s own growing family.

“We’ve made a number of changes through the determination period on this application and have been pushed hard by your officers to make those changes and get the best scheme possible that we can.”

Yet, councillors were still unable to pass the planning approvals, with Reform UK Councillor Christine Smith openly admitting she had a “great difficulty” supporting the application.

The suggestion of a deferral so the committee could adjourn and discuss the sizing of the housing was made by Lib Dem Councillor Andrew Pinnock, which was approved after a majority vote.