Neighbours object to plans for 67 new homes in Liversedge due to traffic concerns, strain on school places and loss of biodiversity

The plot of land off Primrose Lane, Hightown, has been earmarked for homes in Kirklees Council’s Local Plan and is an agricultural greenfield site.

Applicant Jones Homes wants to bring 67 properties to the site, though the council is yet to make a decision on the scheme.

To the North of the site is an area of trees that would create a buffer between the existing houses off Denby Close and the new development. Even further to the North is the Spen Valley Greenway.

The plans would see a mix of semi-detached and detached dwellings ranging from two bedroom apartments to five bedroom detached homes. Thirteen must be affordable by the council’s policy.

At present, there is no vehicular access point to the site, with it only accessible via an adjacent field.

The applicant proposes that the existing highway from Darley Road is extended to serve the development. This is a point of concern for objectors.

One wrote: “Darley Road can at the moment not cope with the amount of traffic using it, let alone another 140 odd cars. Notwithstanding all the lorries using it while the homes are being built.”

Aside from highways issues, fears range from the negative effects on local wildlife, pollution and the strain the development would place on local schools.

Another objector wrote: “Too much of this local area is being swallowed up.

“You can’t even tell where one town or village stops and the next starts now.

"I have concerns about the landscape detriment, local wildlife and biodiversity, flooding, traffic, school capacity etc. as mentioned in many other objections.

“There are plenty of other brownfield sites available in the area that could be developed instead to provide affordable housing and improve the aesthetics of the area.

"Kirklees Council continues to allow new homes on green land whilst allowing town centres such as Batley, Heckmondwike etc to decay.

“This is just wrong and needs to stop. There is no logical reason to build in this site.”

A decision is expected from the council by the end of July.