Silence on water works site

The site of the former North Bierley Water Treatment works is in the early stages of planning for a development, which people living in the area fear could cause traffic chaos.

Developers Turley, who have yet to submit an application, said: “We held a meeting with immediate neighbours and school governors from Woodlands Primary School on July 16, where initial plans for the site were discussed.

“As a consequence of that meeting we will be holding a public exhibition in early September to discuss the proposals for the site in greater detail.”

Yorkshire Water, which owns the site, maintained discussions on plans were still at a very early stage, and would not reveal any specific details.

A spokeswoman said: “The developers are still looking at different options for that site.

“The plans have not been finished yet and we are not in a position to say anything more at this time.”

David Rhodes, the head of Oakenshaw Residents Association, was concerned after hearing the initial plans at the meeting on July 16.

He said: “The plans which have been unveiled to us so far will entail significant changes to the road structures and access to the development will be through the village, adding to the problems we deal with on a daily basis.”

Cleckheaton councillor John Lawson said: “The people of Oakenshaw are not happy, as they feel the traffic generated could be too much for the roads to cope with.”

The water treatment works were closed in 2010 after Yorkshire Water deemed them surplus to requirements.

A meeting will take place at St Andrew’s Church, Oakenshaw this week, where developers will outline their initial plans for the site.

Mr Rhodes added: “I encourage as many people as possible to come – I think we should hold on a bit to see what they have to say at the meeting.”

The meeting takes place at St Andrew’s Church in Oakenshaw on Thursday August 21 from 7pm.