Cllr Cahal Burke - opposed to development on Lindley Moor

I have fought this application for the Data Centre and the Housing, a month ago the application for the Data Centre was presented to the planning committee for decision this was approved, despite the fact that it will not bring as many jobs as suggested and have a big negative impact on our area. The decision for the housing (294 of them) was deferred with a vote taken which rejected the officers recommendations to allow the application to proceed.

On the 22nd of September the planning committee met again to make a decision on the housing application, members of the public were unsure on the procedure and what would happen, as they and most thought it would simply go to the committee to decide the reason for refusal which was outlined in the report. However this was not the case and the application was again presented in full to the committee with everyone again given the opportunity to speak. It is a shame the procedure for the meeting wasn’t made public so that everyone had a fair and equal opportunity to prepare, I myself was only informed on the 21st of September of this despite asking for clarification for weeks, so disappointing. I have issues with the procedure of the meeting and the conduct of individuals. Also the fact that, a potential appeal was being used to persuade members to agree to the application! The committee voted again on valid reasons for refusal but this was voted against and they then voted to accept the officer’s recommendations, on this occasion it was passed.

Labour are intent on building on every green field we have in Kirklees, but will they object in places like the Greenhead ward? Will we end up with more deserted sites? Once they start on these green fields they are lost and gone forever despite having many Brownfield sites available in Kirklees.

We need to create jobs and build homes but lets be sensible and use Brownfield sites first, lets listen to the community and give them a voice not just the option to agree but the voice to disagree.

I am really disappointed by the Lindley Moor decision, for Lindley Moor Action Group and all the residents who were opposed to this development. I will always give a voice to the people and make your concerns heard, because I am on your side, unfortunately on this occasion it fell on deaf ears.

We now take the next step in our objection to this development.