Please save beauty spot Archbishop

Mark Eastwood and Betty Jaggar in Chidswell, near Dewsbury, where land owned by the Church of England has been earmarked for development. Far right: Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury us preserve the unspoilt countryside and green belt located at Chidswell for future generations to enjoy.”

Mr Eastwood said allocated sites within the Local Plan can only go ahead if a landowner is willing to allow development.

“Therefore, if the church decided to preserve the land, Kirklees Council would need to find an alternative site – or sites – to replace the number of houses needed.

“Should the church agree to preserve the land, a number of suitable sites which were initially rejected by the council within the early stages of the draft Local Plan could be reintroduced into it.”

He said that would prevent the council’s whole plan being rejected by Planning Inspector Katie Child, who is yet to publish her final report as to whether the draft Local Plan goes ahead in its current form.

This isn’t the first time green belt at Chidswell has been put under threat. In 2000, the area was put forward by Kirklees Council for open cast mining, which one resident remembers vividly. Recalling the open cast mining proposals, Chidswell resident Betty Jaggar, 78, said locals successfully overturned the plans “despite the best efforts of RJB Mining” at the time.

She added: “We’ve defeated big business before and with a bit of help we can beat them again.

“The footpaths and ancient woodland have been used by local residents, children and ramblers for generations. It would be heartbreaking to see the land destroyed now.

“I hope the Archbishop accepts the invitation to visit Chidswell and see for himself what is at stake should the Church Commissioners decide to sell the land on to developers.”

Lambeth Palace was approached to comment.