Birkenshaw, Kirklees

Peacock + Smith have been promoting this large site on the edge of Birkenshaw, Kirklees, on behalf of the landowners since 2015.

It comprises 23 hectares of mainly agricultural land, although the net developable area of the site is in the region of 10 hectares.  The site is currently designated as Green Belt and is adjacent to the settlement development limits of Birkenshaw. Kirklees Council are currently working on their new Local Plan and in principle the Council recognise that exceptional circumstances exist that justify the release of Green Belt as part of the local plan process.  We are promoting the site through the Local Plan process and maintain that there should be some Green Belt release in and around Birkenshaw to meet the Council’s housing targets.

The Local Plan Examination concluded in April 2018 and the Inspector’s comments are due over the summer with adoption expected at the end of 2018.