From BSF to LDF
Just as one set of problem initials moves from centre stage another moves in. The new Lab-Lib Dem administration have agreed a set of proposals for changes to schools in North Kirklees and are currently consulting on them. Councillors post bags ( email bags?) are now full of hostile comments about the options being suggested for house building up to 2026 in the draft Local Development Framework. The figures in the Regional Spatial Strategy provide for nearly 44000 new houses in Kirklees by then - a frightening figure. For most wards across the borough this means a few hundred - for a few it is into the thousands. One of these is Holme Valley North where one option has 1700 new houses in one village alone - about a 50% increase on present levels. Given the present level of infrastructure - roads, schools, drains - this is unsupportable. Together with my colleagues in the Colne Valley I will be seeking to find a way forward which provides sustainable levels of housing and industry to meet the needs of young people, to provide enough jobs, but also protect our beautiful and valued natural environment.
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