CONTROVERSIAL plans for a data campus on Lindley Moor have been referred to a Government minister.

And it means objectors to the plans can have their say at an inquiry.

The proposals by Stirling Scotfield to build 12 data storage buildings on land at Lindley Moor were rejected by Kirklees Council last June.

But following an appeal from the developer in January, the case has been referred to the Planning Inspectorate which has launched a public inquiry.

Local Government Minister Eric Pickles will have the final say on the plan when the inquiry is completed on July 13, 2011.

Stirling Scotfield wants to set up a secure site for businesses to store their computer servers.

The developer claims the development on a field at the junction of Crosland Road and Lindley Moor Road would create 150 jobs.

But Lindley Moor Action Group (LMAG) believes the company has inflated its estimate for the number of jobs the development will create.

Kirklees councillors rejected the plan because no provision for building houses was included in the plan, contrary to the Kirklees Unitary Development Plan.

But last month concerns were heightened when Miller Homes announced a plan to build 300 homes on Lindley Moor.