Homes plan get go-ahead in historic village of Hartshead

Concerns aired at a meeting of Kirklees Council’s Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee (Nov 4) included heavy traffic use on narrow Peep Green Road, access to a “hazardous” nearby crossroads, visibility issues, speeding cars, the loss of the land as a community resource and the effect of development on the historic village of Hartshead.

Three of the houses in the proposed cul-de-sac, which is allocated within the Local Plan, would be starter homes.

Councillor Michelle Grainger-Mead (Con, Liversedge and Gomersal) said it was sad for the village to be losing the meadow and that the number of houses, which had been increased at the suggestion of planning officers, represented over intensification.

She also highlighted that a traffic survey had not been carried out during rush hour.

Coun Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said it was “worrying” that some of the proposed homes would have doors that fronted Peep Green Road. He also expressed concern about “flaws” in the design particularly relating to the busy road.

The committee voted 7-2 in favour of the plan.