Rome & Florence

local planning authority demanded from the developer on this, and perhaps many other sites in the district for which mining was once a prevalent activity, detailed and conclusive surveys? Otherwise they risk approving building for which future occupants may have to pick up the cost in terms of subsidence or, worse, sink holes, some years down the line.”

He said the Coal Authority’s approach to the discovery of old mine workings represented “a clarion call” for all local groups to refer to it maps and other key local knowledge “to ensure Kirklees isn’t allowing development on land similar to this without a full and conclusive survey.”

The current plan represents the latest attempt by the housing firm to build on the site which is close to grade II listed Balderstone Hall.

In 2015, minutes before councillors were due to consider a plan to build 130 homes, Bellway withdrew its application.

And it was defeated in 1999 when campaigners with action group Save Mirfield won a public inquiry to stop development.

Before the start of the inquiry more than 800 people met on the fields to spell out the slogan ‘No Way Bellway.’

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