VICTORY FOR FLATS FIGHT CAMPAIGNERS; PLANNING VERDICTS: U-turn over green space plans … plus good news for drivers heading for Infirmary Primrose Hill scheme is dropped

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Jan 25, 2008

Byline: By BARRYGIBSON Local Government Reporter

CAMPAIGNING residents have forced Kirklees to back down at the last minute.

The council had wanted to build 22 flats on land off Orchard Terrace at Primrose Hill.

More than 300 residents of Orchard Terrace, Malvern Road, Prince Street and Heppenstall Street signed a petition against the development.

They were concerned about the loss of green space and mature trees, extra traffic and loss of garages for people with limited mobility. Kirklees withdrew the plan on Wednesday, just 24 hours before its Huddersfield Planning Sub-Committee was due to decide on the proposal.

Newsome councillor Andrew Cooper welcomed the climb-down.

He said: "Common sense has prevailed and a good decision has been made.

"I'm very pleased that the efforts of local people to preserve their piece of green space has been successful.

"The people in Orchard Terrace are very pleased because it was a real issue of concern. It's a weight off their minds."

Clr Cooper believes Kirklees feared local opposition would lead to the plan being refused.

The Green Party councillor said: "I think the council took the view that if the matter went to the planning subcommittee it might not have been passed."

Clr Cooper said the green space was important in the built-up area. He said: "Many of the houses in the area are back-to-back terraces, so that land is effectively their back garden."

However, Clr Cooper added that he wasn't against all development. He said: "We do need to build houses and we have to look at each individual case on its merits."

Kirklees Council's Excellent Homes for Life project team wanted to build 14 two-bedroomed and eight one-bedroomed affordable homes on the land.

CAPTION(S):

SUCCESS: Clr Andrew Cooper pictured with local residents on land off Orchard Terrace, Primrose Hill