‘We will continue 30-year fight to save beauty spot’
Twenty-two new houses could replace this tranquil setting in Newsome, but Clr Andrew Cooper (inset) says there is still the opportunity to challenge the plan A WOMAN who has fought for years to save Newsome Mill Ponds from the hands of developers has spoken of her passionate desire to preserve them.
Diane Sims said Thursday, August 17, was a fateful day as Kirklees Council was told the Planning Inspectorate had overturned its previous planning decision about the beautiful, tranquil ponds and the land at Hart Street.
A planning inspector has agreed in principal for Benjamin Bentley & Partners to build 22 houses on Newsome Ponds and surrounding land, bounded by Newsome Road, Hart Street, Naomi Road and the Mill Ponds.
However, residents say the 30-year fight to save the beauty spot from development is not over – despite the housing bid being given the go-ahead.
Diane said: “If this development goes ahead, it will destroy the oldest surviving part of Newsome Mills, and take Newsome’s green heart with it.
“This is simply the wrong decision for Newsome.
“We know it will leave nearby residents fearful about the impact disrupting a 200-year-old network of water courses could have on their homes.
“These are the same families who were most badly affected by the terrible fire at Newsome Mill in November, 2016.
“On that night, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service used the water from both mill ponds to bring the fire under control and stop it from spreading to nearby homes and businesses.
“It’s understandable that many of the people who live here will be devastated by this latest blow to the Newsome Mills site.
“Our community has protected these mill ponds for over 30 years. They have become a peaceful wildlife habitat that has given people much solace.
“The ponds are part of the identity of Newsome, a community that has already lost so much in the past year.
“We will do everything we can to stop more of the places that are valuable to our community from being destroyed.
“In every local consultation about this site in recent years, there has been a clear consensus that the people who live here would like to see these mill ponds retained.
“We will continue to listen to what our neighbours tell us, and we’d like to thank our Newsome ward councillors and the Huddersfield Planning Committee for their support.”
Councillor Andrew Cooper (Green Party) said: “Each planning application is judged on its own merits.
“There have been five or six planning applications that have failed on the site since then.
“The landowner has established the principle of development but has to come back with a detailed application. That is our opportunity to challenge them.”