Residents today get their first look at a state-of-the-art factory planned at Ainley Top ... and this image just released shows just how large it will be.

Cummins Turbo Technologies has released the computer-generated image of the proposed development as a four-hour public consultation event gets under way at the nearby Cedar Court Hotel.

The turbocharger manufacturer has identified green belt land bounded by Brighouse Road, New Hey Road and the M62 as the site for its proposed 18,600sq metre facility to replace its ageing factory at Turnbridge. The image shows the proposed Cummins plant viewed from the motorway.

Cummins is working with Thornhill Estates, owner of the land, to submit a planning application to Calderdale Council.

Computer generated image of Cummins Turbo Technologies' proposed factory at Ainley Top as viewed from the M62
Computer generated image of Cummins Turbo Technologies' proposed factory at Ainley Top as viewed from the M62

Thornhill Estates, owned by Edmund Thornhill, was recently granted outline planning permission by Kirklees Council to build 190 homes in Grimescar Valley.

Representatives of Cummins and Thornhill Estates are attending the public consultation, which runs until 8pm tonight.

Shaded location off New hey Road shows approximate location of proposed Cummins' factory
Shaded location off New hey Road shows approximate location of proposed Cummins' factory

The new factory will replace the manufacturing premises on the left side of St Andrew’s Road as you head towards the John Smith’s Stadium. This will be demolished and the 24,000sq metres of land sold.

Once the new facility is built, about 400 jobs currently based at St Andrew’s Road will transfer to the new plant. The aim is for the move to start in 2017 and take several months.

Proposed site of Cummins' factory as viewed from M62
Proposed site of Cummins' factory as viewed from M62

St Andrew’s Road will remain home to the firm’s technical centre and will continue to employ about 600 people in areas such as research and development, after-market operations and business support.

poll loading

Is it the right site for a new factory?