Six weeks of suggestions and protests loom after the council agreed to ask the public for their views on its planning blueprint – the Local Plan.

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet – a group of top councillors – has formally authorised consultation on the proposals to build 30,000 homes across the borough.

But one councillor admitted she was going to have a difficult time as the most controversial proposal – to offer the whole of Bradley Park Golf Course for housing – was in her ward.

Clr Jean Calvert, deputy leader and councillor for Ashbrow, said: “There are lots of things in the Local Plan that not all of us agree with.

“There are lots of difficult decisions to be made over the next 18 months to two years.

“It’s a very difficult place to be when you’re in a ward where there’s a lot of development included.”

Clr Cathy Scott, a member of the Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee, said: “It’s a breath of fresh air that we’re going to look at the choices rather than having things imposed on us.”

Council leader, Clr David Sheard, said it was “nonsense” that the level of building planned was excessive.

“Any reduction in what we do now will increase the problems for future generations,” he said.

“This plan also protects land not to be developed. It enshrines the Urban Green Spaces within urban areas.”

He added: “It’s important to remember the council is not proposing building on all these sites.

“They are just the sites we’re allowing applications on.”

Clr Peter McBride, the cabinet member responsible for the Local Plan, said the absence of a plan would allow developers to build “willy nilly.”

He said: “We need a plan because we need land for housing and industry. The future of Kirklees depends on it.”

Clr McBride said the green belt was used “selectively” and the Local Plan had been designed to avoid urban sprawl.

About 200 sites have been identified to meet the council’s estimated housing needs. It says about 10,000 homes are already under way or planned but a further 20,000 must be built.

Consultation will run from November 9 to December 18.