Web Forum: Moor debate

Feb 24 2010 by Andrew Jackson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LINDLEY Moor is a topic never far from the keyboard-tapping fingers of our forum users.

1gemini opened the discussion: “Councillors pass it. What a surprise! It will be interesting to see who voted for and against, though Planning still have to give it the go-ahead.

“All these brownfield sites under-used and yet it looks like yet another green space lost from Huddersfield forever.”

markmyword49 posed the question: “Sounds like it is in line with public opinion. The problem is that all the brownfield sites are not easily accessible by car from the motorway network.

“If Huddersfield wants ‘sunrise’ industries to locate in the area then the transport infrastructure will either have to be improved dramatically or more greenfield sites close to the M62 corridor will have to be made available.

Jobs or greenfields – which would be your choice for a more vibrant Huddersfield?”

StephB had seen an alternative: “What a pity it isn’t being used for productive agriculture. The argument against development might have then been more effective!

“No-one with money is prepared to buy a house in an old factory site, only those in desperate need, (although some of those, like Newsome or Longwood are fairly pleasant) but want to have ‘a room with a view’, even if that means destroying hundreds or thousands of other people’s views!

“Look at the once green Scapegoat Hill and the creeping development of Bolster Moor just below it. So beware of ANY development on Castle Hill, (especially on the other, south-facing, side), there are plenty of examples of where it can too easily lead ... I used to boast, ‘Stand anywhere in Huddersfield town centre. In one direction or more, you can see greenery!’ Not true for many years now!”

MrAngry was sceptical: “Green fields are an important aspect of living in Huddersfield. However, jobs are desperately needed and suitable sites have to be carefully considered.

“In the case of Lindley Moor do you really believe many/any jobs will be created for Huddersfield people? I believe this site will become warehousing employing minimal staff but what will be created is an increase in heavy vehicles with easy access to the M62.”

The debate continues ...