DEVELOPERS have won the go-ahead to build an estate on a former mill site.
Fears of a flooding risk have halted three previous bids to build homes at the site at Spa Mills, Spa Bottom, Fenay Bridge.
But the scheme for the site, bordered by Penistone Road, Morrisons Supermarket and kennels, was backed by councillors at a planning meeting yesterday at Huddersfield Town Hall.
Residents supporting the proposals said flood defences to be put in place as a condition of the outline plans would help alleviate any danger for them and future householders.
Residents at first refused to believe the Environment Agency when it said there was no risk. So they hired their own expert at a cost of almost £1,000.
His findings helped push for improvements in the application.
Adrian Ratcliffe of the Huddersfield Residents' Action Group said: "We have won major concessions from developers in the fight against inappropriate development.
"Local people are also very pleased to see that Kirklees Planning Department have placed a large number of important conditions on the application and these will help ensure appropriate development when detailed plans are drawn up."
A letter of support from Morrisons Supermarkets said the development would clear an eyesore site.
But protester Philip Sykes said: "We are not Nimbys. We have continuing concerns."
Kennel owner Ray Smith said: "There are many, many issues on this planning application that have not been correctly addressed."
