THE first maps of a revolutionary plan for Huddersfield have emerged.

The Examiner revealed maps showing the scale of the so-called Northern Gateway which could transform a huge swathe of the town from the edge of Birkby to the M62.

Thornhill Estates has drawn up the plan which includes some 841 new homes, offices covering 355,000sq ft of floorspace as well as 10,000sq ft of new shops plus a 60-bed hotel and an eco-centre covering 20,000sq ft.

The landowner claims the development will bring £180m of investment into Huddersfield and create 1,532 jobs.

But a leading campaigner said the Northern Gateway development would bring “carnage” to the town.

Magdale had other fish to fry: “Well the gateway from the south is dire. Once you hit Lockwood it’s rapidly downhill.

“The core of Huddersfield is a disgrace. Open your eyes!

“Ask yourselves ‘gateway to what?’

“The money should be pumped into the town and not more urban sprawl.’’

No doubt in common with others who have looked at the map, norcoop was having a little trouble: “I cannot find any reference to the provision of a school or a doctors’ surgery for all those additional families, just a lot of money making building for the developers.

“More shops will also further empty the town centre which is already somewhat dire.

“This plan should be turned down immediately.’’

And it’s not just those who live around there – have you thought about those who commute? Well grumpyguts has: “And the queues to exit the M62 at J24 will stretch back for miles on end ...”

fedupwithpc was on the same wavelength as one of our previous posters: “Make them build the village first with school, a doctor, dentist, post office, church, village hall, a butcher, bread shop, optician, newsagent, skate board and bmx track, rugby league, football and cricket pitches before any industrial buildings go up so it doesn’t become an industrial estate next to the M62 and see if they are still interested in going ahead with this development.

“If the company is then all’s well and good.

“But I bet this project wouldn’t become reality with these sort of stipulations in the contract.”

In a second post fedupwithpc added: “P.S. Why is it called the Kirklees Northern Gateway?

“I don’t know about everyone else but I live in Huddersfield not Kirklees which is a council, not an area or town.

“It should be called the Huddersfield Northern Gateway.’’