A DEVELOPER has been refused permission for 27 new homes in Upperthong – with councillors backing the objections of 203 people.

Conroy Brook Developments had promised that 15 of the houses on land adjacent to Bird Riding, off Upperthong Lane, would be ‘affordable’.

They would be rented out with the rent counting towards the deposit for tenants to later purchase as part of the Quality Starter Homes (QSH) scheme.

Upperthong residents packed the public gallery of Huddersfield Town Hall yesterday to oppose the plans.

The objectors said the developer was wrong in saying there was a deli, cafe and gallery within walking distance, the road network was unsafe and unsustainable for more traffic, and the impact on amenities would be too great.

Greg Cropper, a parish councillor, won a round of applause from the public gallery after urging councillors to reject the plans.

He said: “We live and work in the area, we pay council tax and we need help. We feel like this is a David against the threats of Goliath moment.

“Upperthong is a mixed community of terraced houses, semi-detached and large detached ... but we don’t have the highways structure.”

Paul Spence questioned why they were considering allowing development on Provisional Open Land saying: “What happened to local people shaping their surroundings?”

Paul Mobley, of QSH, said local people would have been given priority for the affordable homes.

Planning agent David Storrie said the applicant was offering more affordable housing than required and the council should be “biting the applicant’s hand off”.

But it became clear during the councillors’ debate the application would not get support.

Clr Ken Sims said the highways issues were too strong to ignore and Clr Judith Hughes was concerned the developer would seek a reduction in affordable housing provision.

They voted to reject the application.