Residents trying to save land earmarked for private housing have devised a community garden plan as an alternative.
Holme Valley Land Charity hopes to build two semi-detached houses on land off Sude Hill Terrace, New Mill.
But neighbours say the land has been used for community activities for 150 years and have objected to the charity’s plans.
Now they have devised an alternative plan for a community garden.
It includes landscaping as well as picnic tables, noticeboards, bird boxes, bat boxes, parking for approximately 15 vehicles and stop-boards to prevents cars driving on the grass.
The project is estimated to cost £725 which residents have agreed to raise.
Residents spokesperson John Cullaigh said their plan had received a positive response from Holme Valley Parish Council which set up the Land Charity.
Mr Cullaigh said: “Our plans and the proposal for retention of the site for public use were taken to a meeting of the parish council and we were very encouraged by the response.
“Many councillors expressed support and urged the Land Charity to look at our ideas in more detail.
“Given the proposals we have put forward and the apparent willingness of the charity to look at them, it would seem sensible for Kirklees Council to defer making a decision on the planning application.
“We are hoping to get together with members of the charity at the earliest opportunity.”
Mr Cullaigh added: “It really is a vital facility.”
Kirklees Council is currently considering the Land Charity’s application which has been delayed following objections from neighbours.
The planned buildings have since been moved back onto the site slightly.
Holme Valley Land Charity was set up in 2009 to sell plots of land – mostly former quarries – to raise money for good causes in Holme Valley.
But the charity has been forced to give several plots back and has lost three legal disputes.
It has also been rapped by the Information Commissioner and Trading Standards and has been involved in a number of land ownership disputes.
