Decision due on 'eyesore' Paddock housing plans with objections lodged

The plot of land off Longwood Road
-Credit: (Image: Google Maps)


Paddock residents are fearing for the impact of a new housing development, as a decision is due to be made on plans next week.

On Thursday (September 19), Kirklees Council’s District-Wide Planning Committee will determine an application for two new homes off Longwood Road. Despite the relatively small size of the development, 14 objections have been received, along with a petition with 37 signatures, with this the reason the plans are being put before the committee.

Should plans be approved, the properties will be brought to a vacant plot off grassland between numbers 155 and 173. The homes would each be detached, with a shared, stepped access route to the rear garden.

Read more: Plans to close Kirklees libraries latest as community left 'bruised'

Council officers recommend the panel give the development the go-ahead but the local community disagrees. An objection reiterated by multiple residents fears the homes will be an “eyesore” and will have negative implications for road safety and local traffic.

It also explains: “The area on which they wish to construct housing is in my view inappropriate as it is currently a sanctuary for wildlife as it is known that foxes and young cubs habitat within it. It is a nesting area for many birds including currently doves and an area frequented by bats flying at night.”

Another objector wrote: "The development is also above the pathway student/public use to get from Milnsbridge to Longwood Road, any works on the development may put anyone below passing at risk. I do not feel the development on this land would benefit the area, this is already a very busy road with no off-street parking."

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