Residents have dubbed a divider being built to separate new housing from their homes “The Berlin Wall of Elland”.

Some householders at Whitwell Drive are worried about the impact of a new 30-home social housing development at nearby Whitwell Green Lane on their homes.

In response, Calderdale Council, Together Housing and Lovell say correct procedure has been followed, with Together talking to residents to understand their concerns.

The new development, being constructed by Lovell, backs onto the residents’ houses.

A resident indicates height of what some have dubbed the "Berlin Wall of Elland"

placeholder image — A resident indicates height of what some have dubbed the "Berlin Wall of Elland"

The angry residents claim the ground level of the new homes is being raised significantly, effectively placing the new buildings at the first floor height of the existing properties.

And they claim an approximately 3.5 metre (11 feet six inch) wall being put up to separate the sites is overwhelming and overbearing to the extent they have dubbed it “The Berlin Wall”.

One said: “We are looking at a towering impact that will dwarf our homes – by raising the ground level, these houses become the equivalent of three-storey townhouses looking directly into our private spaces."

But Shelagh O’Neill, Calderdale Council’s director of Regeneration and Strategy, said correct procedure has been followed on the site, allocated for housing in Calderdale’s Local Plan.

“In line with the process for all planning applications, the council followed all the usual steps involved in making a decision, including consulting with local residents,” she said.

“All their comments were taken into account before making the planning decision.

“The location of the development in relation to existing properties complies with local planning policy and guidance.

“Council teams concluded that the development would not have a concerning impact on nearby roads, because of the minimal amount of extra traffic it would create.”

Together Housing’s Director of Development, Tony Ward, said: “The two and three-bedroom homes, built on land that was previously empty scrubland, will provide 30 Calderdale families with a safe and comfortable place to live.

“Together Housing has been working with the planning applicant, to seek to address local concerns that have been raised as works have started on site.

“However, we followed all the relevant planning procedures which also gave all residents the opportunity to voice their concerns and have them considered as part of the planning application process.

“While we recognise that any development will have an impact on all those in the immediate area, we always work to minimise inconvenience.

“We’re currently talking with local residents to further understand and, where possible, accommodate their concerns."