I want to speak today about
the proposed development in the Bradley area of Ashbrow ward, specifically the
site which encompasses Bradley Park Golf Club.
As part of the draft local plan a number of sites were allocated for development in Ashbrow Ward. As Councillors for the area we have made clear to residents the need for housing and have argued the case for development in the ward. In the case of Bradley, despite many understandable concerns about further development, in what is an already densely populated area, we have sought to work with all parties to understand what reasonable housing development could take place here.
Part of the site had previously been earmarked for a new secondary school building, we are happy that this can be developed as housing. Additionally, part of the site is land a farmer has expressed interest in developing. Again we would be content with that.
This area borders the conurbations of Brighouse and Huddersfield. It is an extremely small buffer between these towns. It is the classic Green Belt, the very reason the concept of Green Belt was first introduced to our planning system. We should also remember Calderdale Council is also developing its Plan and it is likely to include development at the other side of the M62 reducing this separation further. The only justification for the removal of this small buffer has to be that there is no non Green Belt land left. This is not the case.
The current situation leaves Ashbrow ward councillors in a difficult position. My view is that it is not in the best interest of Kirklees for the progression of the plan to be stopped at this stage. I believe that the best course of action is to allow further relevant arguments to be made to the Council and independent inspector where consideration can be given to these outstanding concerns.
As part of the draft local plan a number of sites were allocated for development in Ashbrow Ward. As Councillors for the area we have made clear to residents the need for housing and have argued the case for development in the ward. In the case of Bradley, despite many understandable concerns about further development, in what is an already densely populated area, we have sought to work with all parties to understand what reasonable housing development could take place here.
Part of the site had previously been earmarked for a new secondary school building, we are happy that this can be developed as housing. Additionally, part of the site is land a farmer has expressed interest in developing. Again we would be content with that.
This area borders the conurbations of Brighouse and Huddersfield. It is an extremely small buffer between these towns. It is the classic Green Belt, the very reason the concept of Green Belt was first introduced to our planning system. We should also remember Calderdale Council is also developing its Plan and it is likely to include development at the other side of the M62 reducing this separation further. The only justification for the removal of this small buffer has to be that there is no non Green Belt land left. This is not the case.
Bradley Park is a fantastic
facility which provides excellent golfing provision at an affordable cost for
the whole area. It is the only municipal course in Huddersfield and currently
makes a profit for the Council. The loss of the course would be of great
detriment to the local area and Kirklees as a whole. There seems to be a
misconception that the only people who make use of the course are golfers, this
may be true at other courses but certainly isn’t the case at Bradley. I have
spoken to many residents who use the course for walking, footgolf and enjoying
the local wildlife.
I think it is important to
remember what we are being asked to consider, whilst a lot of emphasis is being
put on the vote today the function of this is to decide whether to publish the
plan in order to begin the “soundness” consultation and to send to the
Secretary of State for independent examination. We also need to consider the
implications of the plan not progressing further and the potential impact this
has on green belt sites including Bradley Park.
From my perspective the key
issues with the inclusion of the Bradley site come down to how the technical
assessment was completed which found Bradley to be more appropriate than other
potential sites and how the judgement has been made that the course is surplus
to requirements, in line with Paragraph 74 of the NPPF. During the public
consultation period there were over 800 objections to the site many of which
focussed on these issues. It is clear from the position that we are in today
that those who have created the plan have had ample opportunity to consider
these points and feel confident in their assessment. My feeling is that there
is still a strong argument to be made on these points and members of the public
have made this clear in the representations they have made to the council
today.
The current situation leaves Ashbrow ward councillors in a difficult position. My view is that it is not in the best interest of Kirklees for the progression of the plan to be stopped at this stage. I believe that the best course of action is to allow further relevant arguments to be made to the Council and independent inspector where consideration can be given to these outstanding concerns.
