RESIDENTS have three weeks to air their views about plans for a controversial housing estate near Mirfield.
Developers Clough House Ltd have appealed against Kirklees Council's refusal to give them outline permission for 230 homes on land known as Butt End Mills, at the end of Woodend Road in Lower Hopton.
Clough House Ltd submitted plans almost two years ago for 300 homes on the site, which is part of a flood plain.
After investigations the Environment Agency suggested dropping the number of houses to 230.
Permission for the 230-home development was refused by Kirklees Council's Heavy Woollen Planning Sub-Committee on September 11.
Councillors felt the junction at Newgate and Huddersfield Road would not cope with extra traffic. They thought the development was too far from Lower Hopton's main services.
A council spokesman said the development would be accessible only by private car and across a flood plain, which was against planning policy.
The safety of pedestrians and school children was also an issue.
Now the developer has taken its case to the Planning Inspectorate.
A date has not yet been set for the public inquiry, but people have until January 9 to register their views.
Mirfield Clr Martyn Bolt said residents shared the council's concerns about the development and the effect on local businesses.
Clr Bolt said the best solution would be for Clough House Ltd to build a new bridge over the nearby river, which would give direct access to the housing site.
Anyone who wants to object to the plans can contact The Planning Inspectorate at 3/17 Eagle Way, Temple Key House, 2 The Square, Temple Key, Bristol,BS1 6PN.
Quote appeal reference APP/Z4718/A/03/1133088.
Clough House Ltd were not available for comment.
