Approval recommended for 260-home development

A proposed development of more than 260 homes looks set to get the go-ahead when it goes before councillors next week (5 November 2019).Engie, Yorkshire Housing and Thornhill Estates submitted plans to Calderdale Council earlier this year for a residential development on a 26-acre greenfield site in Rastrick, Brighouse.The site is located south of Highbury School and the Lower Edge Centre, with grade II-lsited buildings nearby on Delf Hill and New Hey Road.Planning permission is sought for the demolition of the existing buildings on the land and construction of 267 homes, of which 191 are earmarked for affordable housing.The development will comprise a mix of two-, three and four-bedroom properties. New public open space would also be created.The application will go before the council’s planning committee on 5 November and is recommended for approval, subject to the signing of a legal agreement, in a planning officer’s report prepared for the meeting.The report said there were “no adverse impacts of permitting the application that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the development”.The recommendation has been made despite a 208-signature petition opposing the development. Concerns include the number of properties, impact on existing infrastructure and loss of greenfield land.