A CONTROVERSIAL development site on the edge of Huddersfield contains high-pressure gas mains.

Kirklees Council wants to allow building on 42 hectares behind the Three Nuns pub at Leeds Road, Cooper Bridge.

The land has been allocated for employment use in the Local Development Framework (LDF), which was backed by Labour and Lib Dem councillors this week.

But Clr Martyn Bolt, who opposes the plan, pointed out yesterday that major gas mains run under the fields.

The Mirfield Conservative said: “No account seems to have been taken of the existence, right through the middle of the site, of two high-pressure gas mains.

“As the moving of 500 metres of one main cost over £1m during a recent motorway project, the costs for this seem astronomical.

“Add in to that mix the cost of the road improvements needed at Cooper Bridge and someone is going to be about of pocket. Who would foot the bill?

“There was much talk about the need for a sound plan and any plan which includes areas such as this and also, in other areas, land with coal reserves and mining works underneath seems flawed from the outset?”

A Kirklees Council spokeswoman said: “The council is aware of the presence of the gas mains and has been advised that the development for business in this area will not require any diversion of the mains.”