A Huddersfield village will be getting 35 new homes as plans are welcomed by locals and Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee.
The application, which will see the site of the former Dowker Works in Milnsbridge transformed into a 35-home residential development, was put to the panel yesterday (5 December) and received unanimous approval. The plot of brownfield land sits close to the centre of Milnsbridge, with the development to be accessible via Dowker Street.
Every single property will be available through affordable rent – a point which committee members were especially keen on. The public who responded to the plans were also largely in favour, with five comments in support, two against and one general comment.
One resident wrote: “As the former Chair of Milnsbridge Enhancement Group [MEG], I am delighted at this proposal. The site is a longstanding eyesore in Milnsbridge that we have monitored for years, requesting clear-ups of rubbish and mending of the vulnerable panels. The effect on Milnsbridge will be enormous in removing a source of shame and unhealthy fly-tipping.”
Concerns raised against the plans were made when the total number of homes stood at 38, with fewer homes considered to be “more practical”. This figure was reduced in the planning stages, with 35 properties to be built.
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Bill Armer (Con, Kirkburton), said: “I fully approve of brownfield sites being brought forward, I think this is important. This is derelict land at the moment, it reduces pressure on greenfield sites, it’s a good reuse of land and I think it’s important to note that these are affordable homes which the Milnsbridge area does need.”
Councillor Mohan Sokhal (Labour, Greenhead) said: “I agree with Cllr Armer, this is a brownfield site, we always ask first for brownfield sites then others. One hundred percent affordable also – we’re always promoting the scheme…”
Councillor Andrew Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton) said he was “generally in support” of the plans but queried one point around the site’s proximity to a river being concerned how the homes would fare in an event of flooding. However, the councillor was assured the site had enough resilience.
Councillor Jo Lawson (Community Independents, Crosland Moor and Netherton) described the site as an “eyesore”, welcoming its development and affordable homes being provided on site.
The plans had been brought to committee as they had failed to secure a contribution to public open space, with this said to be ‘unviable’ by the applicant and an independent assessor. Council officers accepted this, and were pleased to see a development of entirely affordable homes.
