AN MP has criticised Kirklees Council for not adequately consulting with locals over huge building plans in their area.

Kali Mountford said the proposals give ‘no option for people in the Colne Valley’ and has called on Kirklees Council to ‘rethink’ plans for its Local Development Framework (LDF).

Mrs Mountford said: “Having studied the proposal in detail I can only conclude that consultation for people in the Colne Valley constituency is futile.”

The MP believes residents in Holmfirth, Linthwaite, Meltham, Milnsbridge and Slaithwaite were given no choice.

She said: “My main objection to the proposed housing numbers in the Colne Valley constituency is that little account was taken of the affect this level of housing will have on the local infrastructure and on the local environment.”

Mrs Mountford said constituents would see an increase of 500 houses in Golcar and 1,400 in Honley.

She added: “I have had numerous letters and emails about these proposals and all of them negative.

“This is not surprising given that there have only been two public meetings in my constituency in each of the Valleys and the proposals clearly do not allow for any variation in the number of houses in most areas.

“The council must think again about this consultation, go back to basics and have a proper consultation with the people affected by this.”

The LDF, which has been passed down from Parliament, proposes 37,000 new homes across Kirklees in a scheme also designed to boost commerce and industry in the borough.

Kirklees Council could build up to 800 more homes in Linthwaite.

Fields between High House Lane and High House Edge, Upper Clough, have been earmarked for 400 homes and The Ridgeways, Lower Clough, has been selected for 200 homes.

Meanwhile, Black Rock Mills will be redeveloped by Kier Group with up to 191 homes.

Yesterday, councillors passed plans for 191 homes at the former Black Rock Mills site in Linthwaite.

The brownfield Waingate site will see 110 houses and 81 flats constructed there.

Villagers believe the developments will spoil the town’s semi-rural appearance, cause traffic problems and put tremendous strain on that part of the Colne Valley’s already stretched infrastructure.

The planning committee was suspended as angry protestors heckled a council planning officer at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Protester Trevor Woolley said afterwards: “Should a child be killed because of this committee’s decision, you will never be forgiven.”