RESIDENTS will get the chance to say which land they think should be set aside for housing in Calderdale.
It comes as three areas in one part of Brighouse have been earmarked for housing.
Green belt land at Kershaws Garden Centre, off Halifax Road, could have more than 100 new homes built there.
Barratt Homes is promoting the land as suitable for a mix of town houses and luxury properties – although no planning application has been submitted and the land is yet to be allocated for such a development.
Other sites nearby are earmarked for development, including two off St Giles Road.
The issue was discussed at last night’s (Wednesday) Brighouse Ward Forum and a public meeting is taking place on Monday for residents to find out more.
Clr Colin Stout said he was waiting to find out more about the land allocation and told the Examiner: "Whatever happens we must get the infrastructure right, by that I mean the school places, the roads and access to GPs and dentists.
"What I would want to see is any 106 agreement money, which the council gets from developers to be put back into the community – spent in this area.
"There are four schools around the area being looked at for development – but if we get an extra 300 new family homes will there be enough school places?
"Halifax Road is already a busy road, we need to ensure the infrastructure is right before agreeing to anything."
Developers say the land allocation is at an early stage – and a meeting next week will give people the chance to say if the land should be built on or preserved.
David Coe, strategic land manager of Barratt Homes, said: "We are promoting the land south of Halifax Road for future housing development on the basis that it’s a well located site and has previously been disturbed over many years through quarrying and tipping.
"The event at the high school on Monday is a drop-in event during the afternoon and early evening. Residents should feel free to call in at any time during this period.
"We are aware the site is within the green belt and for that reason we are keen to work with the community to obtain as much local information as possible.
"We need to hear local views on matters such as footpaths, highway safety and opinions on the need for the various types and styles of housing over the coming years. "For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a planning application consultation."
Elsewhere an outline planning application for residential use of land off St Giles Road could see 30 homes on 1.73 hectares of land currently used as a stone yard and garage.
A public meeting will be held at Brighouse High School on Monday, January 16, from 4pm – 8pm for residents to drop in, find out more and comment on the issue.
