PLANS to turn a prominent town centre site into starter industrial units look set to be approved despite highway safety concerns.

The land at Northgate in Cleckheaton has over the years been home to a dairy, a snooker hall and a children’s nursery.

Derelict buildings on the northern part of the site have already been demolished.

Now the latest application from D & M Middleton would see nine light industrial starter units being built on the land.

Six units to the north and three to the south of the 4620 sq m plot. Three of the units to the north would have two levels and the rest are all single storey.

In addition, the units would be constructed from composite colour coated panels, except the two storey ones, which would be faced in stone where they front onto Northgate.

A similar scheme from 2020 was refused at committee against the advice from planning officers at Kirklees Council due to the impact on nearby residents.

Following an appeal, the inspector found that the scheme was in fact acceptable on residential amenity grounds but knocked it back as there was no legal agreement in place to ensure offsite habitat improvements.

A report to the Council’s strategic planning committee states: “This was the only reason that the appeal was not upheld.”

The latest plans are being recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement over a £30,000 contribution to habitat improvements offsite.

They include “minor revisions” to the layout and additional information on highway safety, as well as the offer of the legal agreement.

The site itself is on the edge of Cleckheaton town centre and is near to a Home Bargains store, a dental practice, car dealership.

To the north there is a residential development, and a mix of homes, light industrial and offices to the west.

Eight objections have been sent to the Council, raising concerns about the amount and nature of traffic the development would generate, including HGVs, and the detrimental impact on local residents and those occupying nearby offices.

Ward councillor Kath Pinnock has also raised concerns, as has Spen Valley Civic Society, which states: “We continue to have reservations about the proposal to construct industrial units on this site and feel that a great opportunity is being missed, as the site could be developed as a housing option for older people and those with mobility difficulties, given the closeness to the town centre and all its facilities.

The meeting is to take place on Thursday, January 26.

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