Controversial plans for more housing in Lindley have been narrowly passed.

But Persimmon Homes must wait for a final sign off to build 30 houses on land off Crosland Road.

It’s because the plan is a departure from the Unitary Development Policy – so it has to be approved by a higher planning committee.

The site is designated as part of a buffer zone between existing housing and a larger area allocated for employment use, which is yet to be developed.

Yesterday the Huddersfield Planning Committee was minded to approve the plan, but it proved divisive.

Clr Cahal Burke spoke against it, saying the council needed to consider a cumulative impact of this and other applications for nearby sites.

He also said it challenged a test that it was within walking distance to a school, saying: “It may well be, but it has been oversubscribed for years and there are huge problems for families trying to find a local school.”

During the committee debate, Clr Tony Brice said it’s “getting ridiculous” adding: “If this carries on in a few years you’ll be able to go from Lindley to Calderdale without seeing a green field.”

Clr Mohan Sokhal said: “Every application we get the Lindley ward councillors complain about. We have been told by the government that we are not providing enough houses.”

Clr Donald Firth said: “I can’t believe what’s happening in Lindley. There’s 30 houses here, 40 houses there.”

Clr Ken Sims said it jeopardised employment land, making Lindley a commuter location which would then impact on highways.

Clr Erin Hill said it would be “irresponsible” for them to ignore officers advice and the solution to the shortage of housing and school places is “not just denying anything because you are denying the people in this district of a comfortable place to live.”

If it is eventually approved. Persimmon will be asked to make five of the houses affordable, a £74,132 education contribution, £93,000 towards off-site public open space and £111,720 to off-site highways work.

Five objections were submitted to the council, arguing brownfield sites should be developed ahead of greenbelt, highways impact from extra traffic and loss of wildlife.

Huddersfield Civic Society objected, saying it was inappropriate use and any housing should be in natural stone.