Planners urge dyeworks plans get green light despite outcry

A FORMER dyeworks in Liversedge dubbed an “eyesore” could be redeveloped into housing and a nursing home despite strong concerns raised by local people.

The former Victoria Dyeworks site would also be used for industrial units and a convenience store if outline plans are given the thumbs-up by councillors when they meet tomorrow.

Planning officers are recommending that the applicant, Victoria Dyeworks, is given the green light for the outline application, subject to conditions being agreed.

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Previously a housing proposal for the site was thrown out because it was thought the site should still have some form of industrial use.

A report to members of Kirklees Council’s heavy woollen area planning sub-committee says: “The mixed use proposals for the 2.1 hectare former Victoria Dyeworks site respond to previously refused outline applications for purely residential development which were rejected principally because the applicants had not adequately demonstrated that the site/premises were no longer suitable for continued employment use....”

“The current scheme includes 38 dwellings, a 35-bed nursing home; six starter B1 light industrial units; and a neighbourhood convenience store with a sales area of 284sq m.”

Two petitions signed by 485 people and four letters objecting to the proposals have been received by council chiefs.

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Three letters of mixed support and a letter of support have also been received.

Objectors are concerned that the area does not need another convenience store, they raise concerns that the local traffic system is already congested and the development cannot cope with the traffic generated by a new store. A neighbouring business is fearful the proposed houses and nursing home could lead to complaints about noise.

Supporters say the existing site is a “monstrous eyesore and a serious health and safety risk to the public.”

They also say the site has been vandalised and been subjected to arson attacks and that the development will bring new jobs to the region.

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They also welcome the nursing home proposal as they say this is needed in the area.

The proposals relate to the former Victoria Dyeworks, situated between Miry Lane and Halifax Road, Liversedge.

The site is no longer occupied by the former dyeing business and features a range of predominantly older industrial buildings varying in height between one and three storeys.

Surveys have established that the site has limited ecological value, other than semi-natural woodland which is being retained as part of the development. The site also offers little bat roost potential.

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Officers are recommending that members of the council’s heavy woollen area planning sub-committee give the outline planning application their backing when they meet.

The report adds: “The principal concerns raised by the local community relate to the potential impact of the proposed convenience store on existing local shops/post office in the area, however policy guidance preludes the consideration of impact of new retail activity on existing retail activity within existing centres, in order to promote competition and consumer choice.

“All other previous reasons for refusal are considered to have been addressed and matters relating to residential amenity, trees, education, energy use, flood risk, drainage, crime prevention, affordable housing, open space, and public transport accessibility are satisfied, subject to a number of conditions and the applicants entering into a Section 106 Agreement.”

If councillors decide to back the plans they will delegate the final decision to grant permission to council chiefs subject to planning conditions being agreed.