RESIDENTS are fighting plans to build a new respite centre and hospice.
People living in and around the Ferndale estate in Brackenhall are protesting about plans by the West Yorkshire Forget Me Not Trust to build a £3m centre for sick and terminally ill children.
And the Trust's fundraising manager Mandy Barwick says they may force a re-think of the scheme which has generated a massive fundraising campaign in Huddersfield.
Residents held a meeting on Monday evening to thrash out an action plan against the loss of urban greenspace.
Objectors, including children and the Ferndale Community Association, have written letters and sent emails to council planners saying they are worried about the loss of the land at Fell Greave Road .
It has meant a decision on the application - which was expected to have been debated by a Kirklees Council planning committee tomorrow - will be delayed until at least next month, possibly longer.
It is a blow to the Trust, which has been supported by thousands of Huddersfield people in its pursuit of raising £3m to fund the centre.
But Trust officials are determined to press ahead with their ambitious plans. Mandy Barwick said: "We are having to look at possible amendments to the plans following issues raised by objectors.
"Only 10 objections have been lodged with Kirklees Council, but we are going to look into their concerns.
"We want to allay people's fears. We feel the centre would be good and not bad for the area.
"They have complained about parking, but our suggestion for 34 places is far more than the council require."
A planning application for the site was submitted last year.
Objectors have put up laminated posters below the planning application notices near the site, voicing their concerns about the future of the "sensitive site".
Speaking for residents in a prepared statement, Mrs Daroline von Mickwitz said: "In view of the fact that a planning application has been submitted for a major development on urban greenspace within our area, an open meeting was called for people living within our local community to come and express their views and opinions on the proposed development.
"Following this meeting we are now discussing ways in which we might move forwards, given the views which have been expressed."
Mrs von Mickwitz was not prepared to answer any further questions, but said concerns had initially been raised two weeks ago at an initial meeting.
She would not say how many people attended, but said people attending were both against and in favour of the plans and lived as far afield as Bradford Road and Bradley Boulevard as well as in and around Ferndale.
The nearest centre for children and their families is Martin House Hospice in Boston Spa, near Wetherby.
Organisers say they want the planned building in Brackenhall to have the atmosphere of a large country house or hotel.
The plans are for the respite centre and hospice to be eco-friendly, built of natural materials and to be energy-efficient.
The three-acre site, which is owned by Kirklees Council, but is leased to a local farmer is large enough for extensive grounds for walks or play areas, with views to Castle Hill and woodland to either side.
The Forget Me Not Trust was founded in 1997 by Ainley Top woman Linda Senior, whose son, Russell, was seriously ill.
The site at Brackenhall was chosen after planners rejected land at Old Lindley Road in 2005.
Sites at Hebden Bridge, Storthes Hall at Kirkburton and Liversedge were also considered.
