'We are dreading summer' - Residents living in 'constant worry' over return of dust clouds

In early 2025, building began on 180 homes in Westgate, Cleckheaton, with the site taken over by affordable housing provider Thirteen Group and construction carried out by Strata Homes.

Yet, a contamination report submitted alongside the planning application in 2023 suggested an “unknown quantity” of asbestos was dumped in one area of the site, which had previously been home to a chemical works, but had been filled over by a previous tenant.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the resulting documents from asbestos specialist, Acorn, from June and July, 2025, concerning five properties in the area, confirmed that amosite, known as brown asbestos, was present in the dust in two samples, and chrysotile, known as white asbestos, in three samples.

Thirteen Group later assured that the work on the site was being carried out in a “phased and controlled” manner and in “full compliance” with national regulations, while the Chief Executive at Kirklees Council and the Health and Safety Executive said they had found nothing of concern.

However, a year after the discovery, residents are still “dreading” the return of summer, when the dust clouds will be “at their worst”.

Tracy Weaver, 55, lives on the site’s doorstep and is worried that as the dry weather returns, so will the “dystopian” dust clouds.

Tracy said: “It’s been winter, so with the wet ground, we have not had to endure the same levels of dust, but it has been a constant worry. We are approaching summer with dread, and we haven’t been proven wrong.”

Photos provided by Tracy during several of the hottest days 2026 has seen so far showed plumes of dust clouds coming from the site.

Tracy said: “The first dry day, we couldn’t see to the other side of the street. The houses on Westgate were completely obscured.”

Previously, a spokesperson for Kirklees Council said: “We understand the concerns residents have about the site and want to reassure them that we are taking them seriously.

“We have communicated with residents about the steps we are taking to keep them safe, but it’s clear to us that concerns remain.”

Further information has been flagged on the webpage, Westgate, Cleckheaton construction site, air quality and safety updates.

Marie Kiddell, Thirteen’s development and partnerships director, said: “The development is progressing well and when complete, will provide 180 much-needed affordable homes for people in Kirklees.

“We’re in regular dialogue with Kirklees Council and Strata to ensure we’re kept informed of site operations and any concerns raised by local people, and we look forward to seeing the new homes take shape on site.”

Previously, Strata Homes denied allegations that they had “deliberately concealed” information and assured they remained “committed to openness and to working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the site is safe for its intended future use.”

Strata Homes were contacted for further comment.