AS agents for the owner and developer of the former Webster's brewery site at we are firmly committed to the sustainable and sensitive long-term management of the whole of the Wheatley valley.

The plans we have submitted aim to provide the people of the Wheatley valley with a range of sporting, walking and exercise facilities which are fully integrated with the local landscape and will link with existing and reinstated footpaths and bridleways.

Our proposals have been submitted after extensive consultations with professionals specialising in the environment and the natural landscape.

External sports pitches and supporting facilities are acceptable development within green belt areas. Much of the site in question is composed of rubble from demolished brewery workshops. These were built on spoil excavated from the nearby railway tunnel.

Analysis has shown that the soil here is of poor quality and supports a restricted range of flora. This is turn impacts on the range and long-term viability of insects and wild animals which can be supported.

While retaining specimen trees around the site we plan to improve the soil and replace much of the existing scrub with indigenous tree species to form sustainable woodland which can be actively managed to encourage a wider and less transient population of native flora and fauna.

The proposed sports facilities and surrounding landscaping have been specifically designed so that they do not impact on the openness of the green belt. The facilities will be landscaped so that they fit into the surrounding countryside.

The multi-use games area will be banked and planted with native tree species to provide a visual and aural screen. Energy-efficient, uni-directional, low-level bollard lighting will be used where possible.

The sports building will be set below ground level to minimise visual impact. Its roof will be turfed and planted with a mix of indigenous grasses and wild flowers.

This will not only ensure that it blends into the landscape but also provide a natural habitat for native flora, insects and, we are advised, even small mammals such as field mice and voles.

Other materials in the building have been specially selected to reflect the natural materials of the surrounding countryside.

The structural elements of the building, visible only from the east and west, will include native timber and drystone walling.

The sports building will contain changing and other facilities for the multi-use games area as well as a small swimming pool, 20m by 8m, based on the Sports Council design for small community swimming pools. This would be for the use of the proposed nearby Maltings Independent School and for local residents.

The modest size of the pool means it will be very much a local facility for local use; there is no intention of attracting visitors away from existing sports facilities in other parts of Halifax.

However, Calderdale Council has noted that there is a dearth of sporting facilities in the north Halifax area and our plans would go some way towards addressing this.

Finally, site safety. The south eastern part of the site is currently a level plateau formed by rubble from demolished buildings. It drops off steeply and is dangerous for children because of exposed building materials.

The drop is disguised by self-seeded bramble and willow. We plan to improve this area and make it safe.

Simon Brearley
(Brearley Greens)