RESIDENTS failed to stop a huge development on the road between Huddersfield and Leeds.

Park Crescent wants to build offices, manufacturing units and a retirement village for 344 people on Mirfield Moor.

Kirklees Council’s planning and highways committee voted for the plan – despite 14 residents speaking against it, saying it would clog up the already congested A62.

The plan, known as Mirfield 25, will now go ahead unless the Government steps in to stop it.

Gerry Mason was one of the residents who spoke against the development at Huddersfield Town Hall.

He said: “The already overburdened road infrastructure won’t be able to cope.

“As a little boy 70 years ago I would go to the moor with my parents. We played football, flew kites and watched the wildlife. My children and grand-children have subsequently enjoyed those fields.

“The area should be prevented from falling into the hands of greedy speculators. This plan is tantamount to little more than legalised vandalism.”

Ian Bath, speaking for the developer, said Mirfield 25 would bring jobs to the town.

He said: “This is a significant opportunity to create 900 jobs on the site. This committee has the power to deliver economic benefit for Kirklees.”

Committee member Clr Andrew Pinnock spoke in favour of the development, saying Kirklees had allocated the land for industrial use more than a decade ago.

The Cleckheaton Lib Dem said: “We need to ensure that the industrial sites we have allocated are brought forward for development. I think it would be foolish to throw away this chance.”

But fellow committee member Clr Christine Smith spoke against the plan, saying it would endanger other green spaces.

The Kirkburton Conservative said: “It worries me that Clr Pinnock has said we have to develop this land. You can’t say that Lindley Moor won’t be developed on but Mirfield Moor will be.”

Clr Mehboob Khan supported Mirfield 25, saying it would provide jobs.

The Greenhead Labour man said: “Approving this plan would help us capitalise on an economic upturn when it occurs. This committee needs to send out a message that Kirklees is open for business.”

Nine Labour and Lib Dem councillors voted for the development while four Conservatives voted against.

Speaking after the meeting, leading critic Clr Martyn Bolt vowed to fight on. The Mirfield Conservative said: “We will be lobbying the Government on this.”