Plans to build homes in Sowerby Bridge rejected after councillors raise concerns

Mr B. Manning wanted to build four, four-bedroomed homes at land next to Bright Street in the town and planning officers had recommended the plans be approved.

But Calderdale Council planning councillors were unhappy with the proposals, arguing the site would be ‘overdeveloped’ and potentially bring highway safety and access issues, and agreed to refuse permission.

Officers felt proposals met requirements but councillors were not convinced.

The council had received 22 representations on the application – one supporting but the others opposing the proposals, citing concerns about the state of the unadopted road which would serve the site, problematic access, impact on homes nearby and overdevelopment.

Highways concerns and feeling there were too many houses planned for the site were chief among councillors’ concerns, including that extra vehicles might make the state of the road worse.

Officers accepted that the state of the road was not good but said it would also act as a traffic calming measure in itself, slowing vehicles down.

They also accepted the road was not wide enough for two vehicles to pass but believed there would just enough room to allow vehicles to turn round if the development was allowed.

Objectors speaking at the meeting made the point they would have to foot the bill for any repairs.

They were also worried about drainage from the site which would be above some homes, and believed the access would be unsuitable.

Coun Audrey Smith (Lab, Sowerby Bridge) said she was concerned about the suitability of the site access and Coun Paul Bellenger (Lib Dem, Greetland and Stainland) believed the proposals were overbearing – “it’s far too much for the area,” he said.

Coun Bellenger said he would be happier if the scheme was smaller in scale.

Coun David Kirton (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe) agreed on the scale. “They’re just not in keeping with the area,” he said.

He was not as concerned about the state of the road as some other councillors – Coun Kirton said he had seen plenty of unadopted roads in worse condition in his ward.