Villagers say plans approved to build new homes on a field in Netherthong are the “lesser of two evils.”
The same applicants submitted two separate plans for the fields off narrow and steep Miry Lane.
One for five homes took its access off Miry Lane while the other, for seven houses, used the St Mary’s Way and St Mary’s Rise cul-de-sacs.
Councillors on Kirklees Council’s Strategic Planning Committee found themselves torn but eventually approved the plans for seven homes, rejecting the smaller scale scheme on road safety and access grounds.
Part of an old established hedgerow would have been destroyed had that scheme gone ahead.
Previous applications for housing on the site had been refused by the council and dismissed on appeal but councillors appeared forced to choose between the latest two.
The land has a presumption in favour of development and with no Local Plan in place councillors had to find sound reasons for refusal or face losing out at any public inquiry.
Committee chairman Clr Steve Hall said: “I feel I am being squeezed in a rude place and I don’t like it.”
Local resident Stephen Cook, who spoke at the meeting, said afterwards the decision was “the lesser of two evils” and added: “That was the result that everybody probably wanted.”
Holme Valley parish councillor Judith Roberts told the committee how the narrow lanes were barely 8ft wide and the village school was full.
Afterwards she added: “I am happier with this plan than the other one. But with seven houses that’s at least another 14 cars and maybe 14 children who have to be found school places.”
