Calderdale’s draft Local Plan will cause “massive damage to the environment and wildlife” if enacted, says Calderdale’s first Green Party councillor.

Coun Martin Hey (Green, Northowram and Shelf) has attacked the plan arguing it will also “overwhelm” existing infrastructure and services.

But Leader of the Council, Coun Tim Swift (Lab, Town) argues that the plan is a “careful balance” between ensuring communities have the homes, schools and local infrastructure they need in future and protecting the borough’s “precious” landscape and environment.

Commenting now final main modifications have gone out to consultation, Coun Hey claims the plan shows “striking lack of commitment” to the environment and says around half of the 15,000 new homes across Calderdale which might be built under the plan will be on green space.

But Coun Swift says the council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and it is one of the council’s top three priorities, with the environment and carbon reduction “key considerations” throughout the Local Plan.

“A small amount of green belt land has only been included where all alternative sites have been considered, and the plan puts in place strong safeguards to protect our important green spaces.”

Ms Child, who is examining the Local Plan, is expected to publish her final conclusions after the consultation on the main modifications has closed on October 7.