MORE than 150 people are now backing a campaign to save a Huddersfield green corridor from development.
Protesters came out in force at a public meeting to launch Save Grimescar Valley – a group set up to fight Kirklees Council’s draft proposals to allow new homes on the greenbelt land.
Plans have already been put forward by Kirklees Council ahead of a final decision on the latest Local Development Framework (LDF) later this month.
If agreed, it would mean green space stretching from Lindley to Birkby could be developed for 500 new homes and employment opportunities.
It comes as landowners Thornhill Estates has also unveiled plans to develop 642 acres from Ainley Top to Cowcliffe, including parts of Lindley Moor, Rastrick, Grimescar, Birkby and Fixby.
The Northern Gateway plan includes 841 houses; 355,000sq ft of office space; 10,000sq ft of shops and a 60-bed hotel.
Chris Jones, of Save Grimescar Valley, said: “We need to stop the land going into the LDF, then it will be far more difficult for anyone to come up with a proposal to develop it.
“It is a natural beauty spot and it is nice to have green space within close proximity to urban areas.
“If these new homes went ahead, there would be urban sprawl up to the motorway, merging into Calderdale.
“If we don't do anything and sit on our hands, Grimescar Valley will be built on at some point.
“Let’s do what we can now to oppose it.”
A public meeting at Birchencliffe Cricket Club on Thursday night attracted more than 150 people, concerned about proposals to develop the area.
The draft LDF allows a total of 800 new homes to be developed in the area, 500 of which will be on greenbelt land.
Lindley councillors Cahal Burke, Christine Stansfield and Tony Brice were among those who attended the meeting.
Clr Burke said: “It is the last bit of greenbelt we have left now that Lindley Moor has been approved so we have to look after it.
“I’m against Grimescar Valley going into the LDF and any proposal that includes it, I won’t vote for.”
People are now being called on to register their support by joining the Save Grimescar Valley campaign on Facebook or by visiting www.grimescarvalley.org.uk.
