A PROTEST in Mirfield looks set to end in disappointment for the campaigners.
Despite almost 750 letters objecting to a plan to build houses on a school field, Kirklees Council planners have recommended the application for approval.
A row has raged for several months over the controversial scheme for 30 houses with garages on land owned by Castle Hall School.
Previous applications to sell the land for housing have been rejected.
But now a report for the Heavy Woollen Area planning sub-committee - which meets tomorrow - recommends that officials be given the power to approve the plan.
The application also includes plans for a new sports hall, an all-weather pitch and tennis/netball court and parking - paid for by selling the land to developers Magellan Homes, of Shepley.
The application has come before the council's planning committee several times because of concerns about road safety issues. But planners now say the developers have proposed a number of improvements which will improve matters for vehicles and pedestrians.
Despite the objections from local residents, Sport England says the extra facilities provide sufficient benefit to outweigh the loss of the playing field.
But Sports England also says the facilities must be available for community as well as school use.
Complaints have focused on the loss of urban green space, the impact of extra traffic on roads and inadequate drainage.
Magellan Homes are investing more than £250,000 in a package of road safety measures aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving the safety of children arriving and leaving the school.
The new homes will be surrounded by houses on Overhall Road, a development on Towngate and by the school.
Planning officers say the housing development should be built in phases.
