Local residents object to 50-house development plans

The developer says the site represents 'a fantastic opportunity' to provide high-quality homes for local people

Local residents have objected to plans to build 50 new homes on greenfield land in a village near Huddersfield.

Newett Homes has submitted plans for a development of houses, ranging from one-bedroom properties to five-bedroom family homes, off Shepley Road in Stocksmoor.

Kirklees Council has received 10 objections in response to the application, with one resident condemning the plans as “totally wrong”.

But the developer maintains the new homes will meet "local needs". A decision is expected to be made by 9 August.

'Small estate'

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), concerns raised around the development include the impact on the area and its wildlife, the increase in traffic, and the number of homes set out in plans.

One resident said: "I do not believe that building 50 houses would benefit the local area, due to it causing destruction of part of Stone’s Wood, as well as being built in an area not designed for large traffic numbers, which 50 new houses would bring.

"This would be most apparent on Shepley Road, heading towards Shepley, which is almost completely single-track."

Another wrote: "My husband and I moved to Stocksmoor because it is a small village. An additional 50 houses makes a major contribution to the number of dwellings in the village – you are effectively building a small estate.

"Quite simply it is too many, and detrimentally changes the nature and character of the village forever."

'Local needs'

A statement from the developer said: “Newett Homes create luxurious homes built to the highest of standards.

"We consider that the application site provides a fantastic opportunity to provide the local population with high-quality new homes to meet local needs."

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