Calderdale green belt concerns scupper ‘exemplary’ design to build new homes

The low carbon eco-friendly homes appealed to members of Calderdale Council’s Planning Committee but implications for building on green belt land led them to agree with planning officers’ recommendation that permission to develop the site should be refused.

Officers argued that the proposals for land next to the burial ground at Smithwell Lane, Heptonstall, submitted by Mr and Mrs Stansfield and Mrs and Mrs Horn should be turned down because the site could not be classed as infill, was in the green belt and no special circumstances had been provided which would outweigh any potential harm which might result from building there.

Additionally, the burial ground was seen as an important non-designated heritage place, planning officer Maria Bailey told councillors.

However the plans were championed by ward councillor Coun Sarah Courtney (Lab, Calder) who said on the whole she would not support applications which impacted on green belt land.

But family links to the site would keep agricultural use of some of the land and the design was very much in line with the type of new homes the council wanted to see built.

“We have declared a climate emergency and these houses will be rally low in carnon emissions – these could be excellent, exemplary houses we could be using to say this is what we need,” said Coun Courtney.

Heptonstall Parish Council also supported the plans.

Applicant Jenny Stansfield told councillors the new homes would house families who had roots in the area and wanted to see their own families grow up there, on land inherited which made building the homes affordable in an area where popularity had pushed house prices high.

“We have been priced out of our own home town with properties that come onto the market snapped up at more than the asking price.

“We want our children to grow up here too. From grandparents we have inherited land by which we can do this.

“It is a sympathetic design and will not have an adverse impact on the area.

“We want to become an active part of the local community there,” she said.

Councillors said they liked the design but had issues with using green belt land.

Coun Colin Hutchinson (Lab, Skircoat) said: “I like the design and the proposals but feel they are in the wrong place.”

Coun Stephen Baines (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) agreed and was worried about a precedent being set for building on green belt land if it was approved: “If this goes ahead it could be the tip if the iceberg for a lot of similar positions in my own ward,” he said.

Coun Paul Bellenger (Lib Dem, Greetland and Stainland) said: “I agree the design is fantastic and the way forward.

“However, unfortunately in this case I agree with the majority of my fellow councillors regarding building and development on green belt we are supposed to be preserving.”

Among other plans councillors considered, they agreed to permit outline proposals by Mr G. Rawlins to demolish an existing house and garage at South Lane, Shelf, to develop up to four homes – councillors expressed some misgivings but were assured an application with the detail would be brought back before the committee.