New homes for vacant sites?

Kirklees Council will look into using some of the smaller sites it owns to build around 250 new homes.
NEW HOMES One of the sites that will be considered is in Upper Road, Batley, which is home to Holy Trinity Church. (D545A341)NEW HOMES One of the sites that will be considered is in Upper Road, Batley, which is home to Holy Trinity Church. (D545A341)
NEW HOMES One of the sites that will be considered is in Upper Road, Batley, which is home to Holy Trinity Church. (D545A341)

The sites, which include Birstall, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Staincliffe, Batley, Heckmondwike, Westtown and Liversedge, will be considered next week by Kirklees Cabinet and would each have space for up to 10 homes.

Some ward councillors have supported the proposals while others have expressed concerns about their areas being overdeveloped.

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In a report that will be considered by cabinet next week, Coun Darren O’Donovan (Lab, Dewsbury West), responding to a proposal to build on a site in Oastler Street, said: “Yes happy for this to be disposed of. Many locals have expressed interest in the land. Please let me know when the auctions will be for this and other Dewsbury West assets.”

But Coun Hanif Mayet (Labour, Batley East), in response to a proposal to build on Naylor Street and Upper Road, said: “I know the dilemma the council are facing with all the financial cutbacks and balancing book and do sympathise with officers in looking at ways of reducing cost and disposing of assets which are expensive to maintain.

“However I do share my concerns regarding further developments in Batley Carr area especially around the Upper Road as I feel that such an area is well over developed and due to the size of the road in the area and lack of car parking facilities. “

In Heckmondwike Coun Steve Hall (Lab) supported calls to build on Upper George Street and Brighton Street.

“The sooner we get rid the better,” he said.

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But council leader David Sheard (Lab, Heckmondwike) said: “I would object to the Brighton Street site and would rather look at the land we own in Dale Lane.”

The other sites to be considered are Church Lane in Birstall, North Road in Ravensthorpe, Battye Street in Dewsbury, Brewerton Lane in Staincliffe, Holland Street and Norfolk Street in Batley, and Halifax Road in Liversedge.

The sites’ former uses range from garage sites to empty spaces in built up residential areas. The total of 250 would include sites throughout Kirklees.

Cabinet will meet to discuss the proposal on Tuesday August 25, 4pm, at Huddersfield Town Hall.