CONCERN has been expressed over plans to build on old mill ponds in Huddersfield.

A planning application has been submitted to Kirklees Council for 28 flats and houses in Newsome on land between Newsome Road, Hart Street and Naomi Road.

Newsome ward councillor Julie Stewart-Turner said there were worries over the impact on nearby houses.

She said: “There’s a huge amount of concern from local people – which I share – that any development on that land, particularly on the mill ponds, will put neighbouring houses at risk, because it may have an impact on drainage.

“There are also concerns about wildlife. People have grown fond of fish in the pond, the allotment site and the birds.”

She added: “We want the land to get tidied up. It can be an eyesore but people, would prefer it to be a communal, landscaped open space.

“But it is owned by private investors, so there’s a conflict with what their needs are. We sympathise with the landowners, but there are concerns.”

Fellow councillor Andrew Cooper said the site should have a community use.

He said: “We have looked at having some sort of park in the centre of New-some, a place where people could relax and children could play in safety.

“That was something we were quite keen on.’’

He added: “The issues with drainage have never been satisfactorily addressed.”

Developers Bloor Homes had a previous application rejected by Kirklees last year.

The company says it has addressed issues regarding the mill ponds.

Land manager Alister Sykes said: “We met Clrs Stewart-Turner and Cooper in November last year to explain our plans, which they were proposing to discuss at a community forum in February.

“We explained that the ponds are man- made water tanks fed through a piped water supply.

“After draining and filling the tanks the supply pipe will be piped through the site and continue its route beneath Newsome Mill.

“An ecological survey has confirmed that the tanks do not provide a suitable habitat for wildlife.

“Work to improve the condition of the trees on the site and additional landscaping also forms part of the proposals.

“There has been no response from the ward councillors following that forum.”

The company’s planning application says the site is currently unsightly.

It adds: “Development of the site will provide an attractive, safe, living environment to the future occupants and existing local residents.

“Families and young people moving into the new homes will bring new life to the area and its schools and clubs, helping such amenities to thrive.

“It will offer the purchasers the choice of moving into an established community as an alternative to the new estates which have been constructed on the outskirts of Huddersfield.”