Homes plan is back on
PLANS to build new homes on council owned land in Huddersfield are back.
Proposals to construct housing on grassland between Asda on Bradford Road and Ashbrow Junior School have been on and off for more than 20 years.
Kirklees Council revived the plan in 2013 but it has been beset by planning hiccups and delays.
A private developer was finally secured in 2017 and a plan to build ‘extra care’ flats for the elderly was agreed as part of the deal.
But in 2018 the proposal was delayed again after councillors claimed the original design was creating a “ghetto” by grouping all the “affordable homes” for the social housing tenants, on one street.
The scheme was adjusted and passed in June of last year.
But earlier this year, the 160-home plan hit more problems relating to highways and drainage issues.
Three months on and architects for Keepmoat Homes have altered the scheme to resolve the problems.
The latest plan features an increase of one home, minor landscaping and highways changes, and a larger public open space.
The 50-flat extra care unit will be built during the first phase of development and backs on to Ashbrow Infant and Nursery School.
The social housing facility, set to be run by Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing, will be supported by health and social care workers and will feature a host of communal facilities, such as a parking and charging area for mobility scooters and activities such as a giant chess board.
The flats themselves will be specially designed to suit older people with mobility issues or dementia.
Public consultation runs until October 9 and the plan is likely to be discussed at a council planning committee in December.