Sewage works to return to nature

Dewsbury Dome redevelopment site. Howard Cook on site. (D536E425)

Plans to turn a disused sewage works into a natural park the size of 10 football pitches have been given the green light by Kirklees Council.

The old Heckmondwike Sewage Works, just off Smithies Lane by Ponderosa Rural Therapeutic Centre, will be turned into an 18-19 acre green field space for use by schools, the nearby Learning Difficulties Centre and the public.

Developer Howard Cook said: “I’m delighted we can make something different, something better, and I’m glad the council has taken what we want to do on board.

“It is a big scheme and we want to do something exceptional. We will turn an eyesore back into what it used to be.”

Work on the site will begin before Christmas and is expected to take two years. The project will start with the decommissioning the old sewage works and making them safe.

Planning permission was also granted for Mr Cook to relocate his services for people with learning difficulties from the top of the hill by the Ponderosa site to the drive on Smithies Grove.