Homes plan rumours scotched
RUMOURS that an unpopular housing plan had been abandoned have been scotched after the developer installed its branded sign.
Harron Homes’ plans to build 252 homes on green field land by the green belt at Fixby were approved in March just days after Kirklees Council’s Local Plan was ratified.
Work never began and sources close to the project told the Examiner that construction workers earmarked for the scheme had been laid off amid problems with the drainage of the land. But the Leeds-based housing firm has now confirmed it is due to begin any day – bringing to an end a 10-year long campaign to stop it.
A letter has been sent to residents informing them that access to the land would be created at Gernhill Avenue and the land would be fenced off. Meanwhile, more confirmation that the fight was over came in a notification from Kirklees Council, asking the public for suggestions for the road names within the new build estate.
Writing on Facebook, the Fixby Residents Organisation said it had thrown in the towel.
In a final post, a spokesperson said: “It has been obvious for ages that we have lost our fight and that big business has won, aided massively by pathetic council planning, misleading commitments and a complete lack of consideration for residents and the future of the green belt.
“A small group of us have been fighting this for 10 years and had some minor stalling successes but have nowhere left to turn.
“Thanks to those who supported. There will be no further updates via this Facebook site!”
When the plan was approved by Kirklees Council it was agreed that Harron Homes would make a six figure sum of financial contributions to Kirklees taxpayers, including £82,000 improvements for the Bradley Bar roundabout.
Council officials have also demanded £493,000 for local schools, £124,000 to subsidise bus passes for residents and £10,000 to improve drainage in the area. The luxury development will feature 202 four and five bedroom homes, 37 three-bed and 13 will be two-bed.
Anybody who wants to suggest a road name for the estate is asked to contact the council.
In general, names should not duplicate or closely resemble existing street names in the area, nor are streets generally named after persons who are living or who have lived in the recent past. Preference is often given to names with local connotations.
Suggestions may be sent to the Building Control, Flint Street, Fartown, Huddersfield, HD1 6LG telephoned through to 01484 221550 or emailed tostreet.naming@kirklees.gov.uk before October 22.