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January 2017
Residents hit out at plans to build on Urban Green Space By Danny Richardson
ANGRY residents have hit out at controversial plans to develop housing on land that was previously marked as Urban Green Space – until it was destroyed by a drift of pigs. The ‘pig field’ at Brockholes, just off of Lancaster Lane, has been earmarked for development after a Government inspector overturned Kirklees Council’s decision to not allow developments at the site. The land is sought after, with its owner – Petrian Construction Ltd – submitting a number of planning applications to build on the site since 1999. On each occasion, Kirklees Council has refused the application, citing a number of reasons including that the site had ecological value as open land. Then, in the draft Kirklees
Local Plan – the land was marked as Urban Green Space – meaning no developments would take place and awarding locals what they thought was a victory, after campaigning against a development on the site due to concerns over flooding and access. However, after an appeal from Petrian, a government inspector has overturned the council’s decision – his report citing the site’s ecological value is now ‘negligible’. Residents say this is down to a fleet of pigs on the site – who they claim have destroyed the land, and work from the developer itself, which has allegedly cut down trees at the site, destroying natural habitats in the process. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “The developer has been refused planning permission six times
since 1999. “Kirklees said the land was Urban Green Space – so we were confident no development would take place at the site. “Then, the developer, who owns the land, placed around 20 pigs on the site. “They’ve destroyed the land. The ground is just mud and now barren. “In the draft local plan the land was still marked as Urban Green Space. Until Petrian appealed, and the Government inspector – from Bristol – overturned the decision without knowing the history of the site. “How can Kirklees be overruled by a civil servant from Bristol who knows nothing about the history of the site and only sees what has been created by destruction?” Independent Councillor Charles Greaves has hit out
at the Government’s decision to overturn Kirklees Council’s ruling. He said: “This is a really disappointing decision as we thought this was the one site in Brockholes that we would be able to protect – but now they have all gone. “Kirklees had designated the site as protected Urban Green Space and had refused permission to develop the site, but this is the reality of planning. “The Planning Inspector does the Government’s dirty work for them, and they only implement the law as set by the Government. “The whole notion of local people making local decisions is just a lie. Local views and decisions just don’t count for anything.” The Review contacted Petrian Construction Ltd but nobody was available to comment.
Meltham golfer Jamie Bower has taken a step closer to becoming the Holme Valley’s very own Rory McIlroy by turning professional. The 23-year-old has joined a group of highly talented young English players at Georgia Golf – and now has a busy year lined up. Full story on page 3
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