Mirfield 25 plan approved

The site, which had previously been considered as the location for a retirement village, will now be taken on by homes giant Taylor Wimpey.

Despite stiff opposition from campaign group Save Mirfield, town councillors and some members of Kirklees Council’s strategic planning committee, the scheme was given the nod this afternoon.

The 12.38 hectare site is split into two parts – one side will be made up of housing, while the other will compromise general industry or storage and distribution warehousing.

Access into the residential development is proposed as a single junction, directly onto Leeds Road.

Christine Sykes, from Save Mirfield, pleaded with councillors to reject the plans. “Green space is the lungs of a town,” she said.

“People will start to leave and they will not be replaced – the degeneration of Mirfield will ensue.”

Numerous members of the group said the development would cause further traffic woes, particularly in Stocksbank and Sunnybank.

The developers will give £1.45m to Kirklees to carry out highways improvements and other works, but Mirfield town councillor James Taylor criticised that amount.

Councillors Tony Brice and Bill Armer objected to the plans, but Coun Paul Kane moved the proposal and was seconded by Coun Mohan Sokhal. The application was passed with four votes in favour and two against.