‘Last green space’ under council threat

People living on Beckett Road, opposite a previously unregistered patch of grass, received letters from the Land Registry which stated the council are seeking control of the site.

Based on two undecided applications for homes to be built nearby, residents say it is likely the council could sell the land for housing if it took control of the patch.

Along Upper Road, there is an application to build nine homes on a car park across from Trinity House and another for three homes where the road joins Naylor Street.

But residents, who have set up a Protect Our Batley Carr Green Facebook page, insist that they have – as well as the council – “maintained and looked after this green space, on a daily basis for over 40 years.”

Beckett Road resident of seven years Tessa O’Keefe, 44, said: “It’s used in lots of different ways, whether it’s children playing or people taking their dog for a walk. It’s a lovely, quiet green space amongst a highly-congested area.”

Mrs O’Keefe also thinks development would present safety issues for children who are dropped off at Carlton Junior School.

Residents are invited to a community gathering on the green this Sunday between 2pm-4pm to meet one another and discuss the issue.

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “The council has applied to the Land Registry to claim ownership of some land on Naylor Street.

“The council already owns part of the land and has maintained both sections for a number of years. On this basis the council has submitted an application to claim full title to this piece of land.”