'Logistical nightmare' housing development gets the green-light despite initial fears

Residents in Gomersal previously raised concerns about housing developments that would see neighbours “physically dominated” by 4m-tall fences and mounds of earth.

Initially, developers PPJ Development were granted permission to to create 10 new dwellings on 4 hectares of unoccupied land near Moor Lane in Gomersal.

Yet debates over the layout and appearance were brought to Kirklees Council’s Planning Committee on June 11, following more than 70 objections to proposals for six three-bedroom houses, two four-bedroom houses, and two five-bedroom houses.

During the meeting, residents raised concerns that changes to the number of bedrooms in the houses would result in issues such as “physical dominance” from the tenth plot over the neighbouring house at 21 Summerdale.

One complaint came from resident Charles Buchanan, 79, who explained that he had enjoyed “uninterrupted sunlight” for 20 years at the property but would now be subject to an “unacceptable loss of light” if the tenth plot were built as a five-bed dwelling.

Speaking in the chamber, Charles claimed the distance between properties had been measured “incorrectly” stating that due to the angle of the measurements, Plot 10 would be “15 feet closer than it should be” to 21 Summerdale and stand “more than 13 and a half feet higher”.

Yet despite initial concerns, the development has since been approved, with councillors claiming the amendments made following previous complaints had “really impressed” councillors on the scrutiny committee.

Changes to the initial proposal included a reduction of 60 square metres in the total internal space, reducing the density, and a decrease in the separation distances between the ten dwellings. A fourth visitor parking bay had also been added.

Specifically referencing Plot 10 – the plot which was set to neighbour Mr Buchanan’s house – the new proposal reduced the plot from a five-bed to a three-bed, while also removing the proposed garage from the plans.

It was also proposed that the space between the tenth plot and Mr Buchanan’s home was increased from 8m to 15m. The ridge height, which had raised fears among residents that it would “physically dominate” their homes, was reduced from around 1.5m to 0.5m in the newly-proposed plans.

Speaking on behalf of PPJ Development, Chris Creighton explained that previous residents had emailed the developers to say that the new plans were a “vast improvement”.

A statement submitted by Joe Carter, the developer of PPJ Development, read: “This is an opportunity to transform derelict and unloved land into high-quality development to provide beautiful homes or families to enjoy for years to come… I appreciate that development can raise concerns among residents…

“I want to emphasise I am not a large national house builder focused on delivering houses quickly before moving onto the next site. I am a small local developer with a genuine and long-term interest in the communities in which I build.”

When receiving responses from the council, the feedback was positive. Conservative Councillor Bill Armer – who had previously expressed concern that there may be too many properties “shoehorned” into the space – said he was “impressed” by the amendments made.

This was seconded by Liberal Democrat, Coun Andrew Pinnock, who said he was also “really impressed”.

Five out of the six panel representatives voted in favour, passing the development to the next stage of delegated approval.