Opposition to housing plans in the Grimescar Valley outstrips support.

But, unusually for major housing plans, the 190-house plan for land off Burn Road has attracted a lot of support.

Kirklees Council papers show that 286 people are in support of the housing bid against 468 opposing it.

Thornhill Estate plans for housing in the Grimescar Valley

Analysis by the Examiner reveals the letters of support are in the form of two replicated letters, but signed by people from ranging from homes in neighbouring streets to the development site to as far away as Bolton.

A five-paragraph letter says: “There is a housing shortage in this area and the proposed development will help ease this shortage.

“The planned development is in an area that has excellent transport links. It is near the motorway and also on bus routes. There are all the necessary amenities in the area and the development appears fully sustainable.

Letter in support of Grimescar Valley development plans
Letter in support of Grimescar Valley development plans

“I can see no legitimate reason why this development should not be approved.”

A second letter is seven paragraphs long and touches on highways improvements, investment in school places and adds: “It will bring new homes to the local area so that many young people will be able to buy properties in the area in which they were born and where their families live.”

It also adds that it will open up the Grimescar Valley which is currently out of bounds without trespassing, the supporters say.

Letters of objection are individually written and many touch on the highway issues already in the area, saying more development will place an “intolerable burden” on existing congestion.

Letter in support of Grimescar Valley development plans
Letter in support of Grimescar Valley development plans

They say it remains one of the last green spaces in the area, development will lead to loss of habitat and wildlife.

The application will be considered by Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee next Thursday at 10am.

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Should Kirklees Council give the Grimescar Valley development planning permission