Housing plan refused after 300 objections

Controversial plans to build 50 homes on a plot of greenfield land in Huddersfield have been rejected by planners.

The houses would have been on a six-acre site off Shepley Road in Stocksmoor and contributed towards Kirklees Council's five-year housing land supply.

However, residents argued the site would have a lack of amenities and transport links and that access would be located near a dangerous blind bend.

A councillor who opposed the plan called the council's rejection an "early Easter gift to Stocksmoor".

The land was previously safeguarded in the council's Local Plan, meaning that no development could take place until 2031.

However, with the council falling short of the national requirement to have a five-year supply, protected sites could be considered for "sustainable" development, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Plans were submitted by Newett Homes last year but the council received more than 300 objections.

Other concerns were that the development would not be sustainable and the negative impact it would have on neighbouring woodland.

Kirklees Council was previously criticised for its delay on making a decision about the plans, adding to the community's "worry and anxiety", but the application has been turned down due to highways concerns.

Councillor John Taylor said: "I am so pleased that finally, Kirklees planning have agreed with me and the community that this site was always unsuitable for housing and could not be developed without impacting the road safety of all road users including vehicle drivers."

He added: "But I also recognise that the developer could still potentially appeal the decision so we will need to remain vigilant."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.