Application for 14 houses on site within the green belt
Outline plans have been drawn up to build 14 houses on a former stone yard in Brighouse, Calderdale.
An applicant wants to demolish existing industrial buildings on the site at Spring Lodge Stone Services, in St Giles Road, Lightcliffe, and replace them with the detached family-sized homes.
The proposals explain that this site lies within green belt, but notes the land and its adjacent sites have previously secured permissions for new homes. These include two separate outline approvals for 10 dwellings and one full approval for 10 dwellings.
The earlier applications successfully argued the appearance of the land would be improved by getting rid of the old industrial properties and building houses instead.
The agent’s statement adds: “The site benefits from an extant 2011 permission and has a 2016 outline permission
for 10 dwellings. These were granted on the basis that very special circumstances existed to outweigh green belt planning policy.
“These circumstances still apply, therefore the principle of development remains acceptable.
“Within this application it is proposed to erect 14 dwellings, which represents a more efficient use of land and compliance with housing policy.
“Heritage matters have also been previously considered and the development found acceptable in principle. It is our conclusion that planning permission should be granted.”
A separate design and access statement accompanying the application, notes: “The development will improve the site usage, complement its surroundings and improve the quality of the built environment.
“The site occupies a sustainable location in close proximity to Halifax town centre, has good public transport links, employment opportunities, open space and shopping facilities.
“A rise in the number of residents in the area, however small, will be beneficial to the local economy.
“It is apparent that an opportunity exists to provide much needed housing of high quality, and to greatly improve upon the existing housing stock.”
