It has been a feature of Lindley Moor since the 14th century.

And the Haigh Cross monolith, off Crosland Road, will be allowed to remain in place for centuries to come.

Lindley councillors Tory Gemma Wilson and Mark Hemingway had expressed concern that the cross could be lost after a plan to build 252 houses and two industrial units on the moor were approved by Kirklees Council in March.

But the cross, which was re-erected in 1808, will now remain in place and land around it will remain open to give the monolith an appropriate setting.

Two ancient milestones on land earmarked for development will also be allowed to remain in place.

Read more: Kirklees Council reveals where it will let developers build 30,000 homes - including on Bradley Park Golf Course and the greenbelt

Clr Wilson said: “I am really pleased to see Haigh’s Cross and one of the milestones will remain in its current location. The derelict but very familiar Haigh’s Farm has sadly been demolished as part of the controversial and strongly opposed Lindley Moor development.

“Haigh’s Cross is currently fenced off so it’s protected whilst the area around it is unfortunately being developed.

Clr Gemma Wilson with Clr Mark Hemingway.
Clr Gemma Wilson with Clr Mark Hemingway.

“I am glad that an important part of our local history in Lindley is to remain and I look forward to working with our conservation team regarding the proposed location of the second milestone.”

Fellow Lindley Conservative councillor Mark Hemingway, added: “This is a part of Lindley’s history, all too often we lose things like this when the developers move in. At least this one looks as if it will be saved.”

What is the Haigh Cross? A guide...

When was it made?

The Haigh Cross was first erected in 1304.

Why was it erected?

As with many medieval crosses, its original purpose is not known, although it may have simply been a boundary marker stone.

The original cross was ‘willfully pulled down’ and later replaced by the current one in 1308.

What's written on it?

The inscription on one side reads: “Erected by T + T 1808 After (sic) being willfully pulled down. Haigh Cross (sic). ‘Fs’ was pronounced like a modern ‘ss’ in the English of the day.

The other side contains a reference to the Elland Feud – a bloody 14th century dispute between the De Eland family, of Elland Hall, and the Beaumont family, of Crosland Hall, Huddersfield.

Haigh's Cross on Lindley Moor.

What's the historical significance?

It is believed the original Haigh Cross might have been erected by the Quarmbys to mark a supposed Roman road that runs through Haigh Cross Farm. Pottery and Roman coins have been discovered near the site.

The cross is also mentioned in the registers of Almondbury Church.