New homes are planned for a site in the heart of Lindley.

But in the meantime, local residents are enjoying a new view of the historic village church.

Kirklees Council has completed demolishing Oakmead, the former children’s home and council offices in Lidget Street, close to St Stephen’s Church..

The centre had stood empty for years

The council has applied for outline planning permission for a residential development at the Lidget Street site.

Kirklees Council has, in the past, said that seeking planning consent for such use will increase the potential price when selling off the land.

The authority is going through a major scheme to look at redundant and unused council offices and other buildings and try to dispose of many of them.

Roger Carter, of Kirkwood Drive, said: “After the demolition of Oakmead I took the opportunity to take this photo of the west elevation of the church which had been obscured from view for many years past and will, if the proposed housing development goes ahead, disappear for decades in the future.

“Having lived in Lindley for 70 years, I hope above hope that the councillors of Kirklees who have any input will ensure that should the homes get the go ahead the design and layout are sympathetic to this area and not built of brick as was the case with Oakmead”.