A housing estate was given the green light despite more than 160 objections.
Plans for 22 new homes on a greenfield site off Hollyfield Avenue in Quarmby were backed by Kirklees councillors – just.
A vote to pass the controversial plan behind Salendine Nook school was tied seven votes all.
It was approved because Huddersfield planning chairman Clr Terry Lyons, who has the casting vote, voted in favour.
Prior to the vote residents and Conservative councillors spoke against the proposal.
Householders from Hollyfield Avenue said creating an access road through their quiet cul-de-sac would be a problem.
Others said the lay of the land meant the new homes would overlook existing properties.
They also highlighted potential flooding issues and the fact the access point was between two existing homes.
Campaigner, Gary Ward, said the development would destroy the last known ‘fold’ in Huddersfield and claimed explosives had been needed in the past to install drainage.
“There’s no proof it could be done,” he said.
Clr Ken Sims said he feared another site where the developer would wriggle out of affordable housing requirements.
“It’s a difficult site,” he said. “It throws into my mind whether we will achieve any affordable housing. We know developers will come back and say these sites are not viable. We need to get a grip of these sorts of sites.”
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Clr John Taylor, said: “We’ve got to take these highways issues seriously.”
Clr Bill Armer, said he agreed with concerns about the sloping site. “There will be a great loss of privacy for those residents,” he said.
Clr Gemma Wilson, said: “Now the Local Plan is emerging do we really need to sacrifice this land?”
In her written objection she highlighted the noise of cars passing between the two homes. “This is not what residents who bought in this lovely area expected,” she said.
Another objector was MP Jason McCartney, who said: “I would like to object most strongly about the above planning application, as it will be yet another unsustainable development in the Lindley ward. The schools are full, the roads are clogged up and doctors are turning away patients.”
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But a spokesman on behalf of the developers, New Mill couple J & M Salvini, said: “Local opposition is not surprising. Local residents are quite naturally resistant to change.”
While Lib Dem councillors Linda Wilkinson and Christine Iredale joined the five Tory opponents, the motion to pass it was approved by the casting vote of Holme Valley North independent, Clr Lyons.
