Housing developers have been offered the chance to buy land in the Grimescar valley.

Estate agents are selling off more than 24 acres of land off Burn Road, Birchencliffe, just weeks after planning permission was granted for one of Huddersfield’s most controversial developments.

Kirklees councillors approved plans for 190 homes on the site in July despite fierce opposition from campaigners.

Thornhill Estates’ application for 190 houses on land off Yew Tree Road and Burn Road had split the community.

A view across the Grimescar Valley to Birchencliffe
A view across the Grimescar Valley to Birchencliffe

Planning papers presented to councillors showed 286 people are in support of the housing while 468 people oppose it, including MPs Jason McCartney and Barry Sheerman, Huddersfield Civic Society and community pressure group Save Grimescar Valley.

The decision to back the protest came after a report from planning officers which said: “In the absence of both a five-year housing supply and any significant and demonstrable adverse impacts that can be evidenced and substantiated... the principle of developing this site is considered to be acceptable in this instance”.

The land is classed as Provisional Open Land (POL) and Kirklees, having no up-to-date Local Plan, has failed to defend itself against development of such sites.

The Grimescar Valley looking towards Birkby.
The Grimescar Valley looking towards Birkby.

Now estate agents Walker Singleton are advertising the land for sale and are asking for bids to be in by November 13.

The land is divided into two areas, accessed off Burn Road and Yew Tree Road.

The publicity material advertising the land says it is blessed with “excellent” connections to the motorway network, with the M62 motorway just a few hundred yards away.

It also highlights local restaurants and a filling station and the nearby Huddersfield Golf Club.