Councillors will make a final ruling on a number of planning applications this week.

Housing bids for Meltham, Shepley and Batley will be decided by Kirklees Council’s Planning and Highways Committee on Wednesday.

The committee rules on applications passed to it by the two planning sub-committees to set conditions and when applications are a departure from agreed policy.

One of the most controversial applications relates to GSK Developments’ bid for 27 houses on land off Colders Lane, Meltham.

They want outline consent to establish principle to build on the land, which 153 residents signed a petition to oppose.

After the decision by the planning committee Clr Edgar Holroyd-Doveton, Holme Valley North Independent, wrote to Kirklees, saying: “At that meeting I raised my concerns that the existence of previous mine workings on the site, with the likely presence also of gas, presented a danger both the public, potential workers engaged in any construction and later the inhabitants of any houses erected.

“In spite of the granting of planning permission, these concerns about public safety remain and this letter is to raise these concerns for your attention and action.

“I feel it is the duty of the council to ensure that there are no doubts or uncertanties in this area, so that - down the road - there is not danger to life, if issues of subsidence and potential presence of gas are not fully dealt with.

“I would therefore ask you to ensure that as the responsible local government body, that you lay as a condition, prior to any construction that a full and comprehensive geo-environmental investigation and report be produced and published. There should be a clear statement, by persons who can be accountable in law, that the site is safe for the public.”

While the land has been allocated for housing, access issues have arisen. In 2000 the Planning Inspector dismissed a bid to develop the site as no link road formed part of the plans, however Kirklees planners consider it is no longer required.

Contributions the committee could seek include a financial contribution towards off-site public open space, a residential Metro Card scheme, plus 25 other conditions including an affordable housing requirement.

The committee will also rule on plans for four houses and access on land off Abbey Road North, Shepley.

The site is part of land allocated for industrial allocation on the council’s Unitary Development Plan.

While a number of housing applications for industrial use were given consent in 2004, 2008 and mixed use in 2005, nothing has been built and Kirklees planners advise: “It is considered that this site is unlikely to come forward for employment purposes and an alternative non-employment use can be considered.”

The committee will also rule on 34 houses and four apartments at the former Soothill Cricket Club, Soothill Lane, Batley, with 100% affordable housing provision planned.

Kirklees planners say the housing boost outweighs the loss of the unused open space.

Decisions will be made at 12.30pm on Wednesday at Huddersfield Town Hall.

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