A DEVELOPER wants to build houses at a flashpoint on the edge of Huddersfield.

Miller Homes announced a plan to develop on Lindley Moor – with 300 new homes.

A separate proposal to set up a data centre across the road will also be resubmitted.

Kirklees Council last year refused Stirling Scotfield planning permission for the development after opposition from residents who want to protect the green field site.

The data campus, which would have provided a secure site for businesses to house their computer servers, was planned for the corner of Lindley Moor Road and Crosland Road.

The land is allocated for industry in the council’s Unitary Development Plan (UDP).

Miller Homes yesterday announced plans to build 300 houses on a neighbouring site at the corner of Cowrakes Road and Weatherhill Road.

The land is allocated for housing in the UDP.

Miller Homes spokesman Tim Williams said: “Not enough housing has been delivered to meet local needs in Kirklees during the past few years.

“The Lindley View proposal can deliver up to 300 new homes, some of which will be designated as affordable to help meet the needs of hard-working people within the locality.”

Stirling Scotfield will re-submit its data centre proposal at the same time as the housing plan, believing the two have a better chance of winning planing permission together.

The company claims the development would employ 150 people – with more to come.

Stirling Scotfield spokesman Stephen Holman said: “The data centre will lead to real long-term jobs for local people.

“Not only will it open up the development of the site for other like-minded investors and operators, it will help Kirklees to compete regionally and nationally in this cutting edge technological market.”

Planning consultant Spawforths is sending 18,000 leaflets this week to all homes in HD2 and HD3 to explain the housing proposal.

Chairman Dave Rolinson said: “We will be holding three drop-in exhibitions before submitting the planning applications where people can share ideas and discuss their concerns.”

Lindley Moor Action Group, which successfully opposed the data centre last year, will campaign against both developments.

Spokesman John Procter said yesterday: “The volume of housing being talked about would put tremendous stress on the area.

“Where are the extra school places going to come from, given that all the schools round here are full?

“I don’t even want to think about the traffic. Junction 24 is already beyond a nightmare, it would only get worse.

“Lindley Moor soaks up rainwater but, if it is concreted over there will be more pressure on the drains.”

The action group will meet on Friday to decide how to oppose the plans.

Mr Procter said: “We will try to highlight this with people in the neighbourhood. We will really have to stir people in the district.

“It’s going to be really difficult.”

Clr Christine Stanfield, who represents the area on Kirklees, gave the plans a mixed response yesterday.

The Lindley Lib Dem said: “I don’t think that area is at all good for housing because of the noise and air pollution from the motorway.

“As for the data centre, it would be such a pity to give up such a big space for so few jobs.

“I would prefer the site to stay as open land but, if it does have to be concreted over I want something clean and quiet – like a data centre.

“We do need land for housing and industry and those who refuse to accept that are just silly.”

Residents can learn about the plans at Lindley Methodist Church from 3pm to 8pm on Wednesday, February 16.

Planning applications for the homes and data centre are expected to be submitted in May or June.