Help to save the trees on Halifax Road

A planning application for ' improvements' to the Halifax Road (A629) in Edgerton, Lindley and Birchencliffe is due for approval in the New Year. This film illustrates the shortcomings of the council’s plan. 

The background to the story: In 2018 Kirklees Council revealed proposals for improvements to the A629 from its junction with Blacker Road at Edgerton to the M62 junction. The scheme is to be funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

As part of a consultation exercise, Huddersfield Civic Society, along with many others raised objections to the proposals, particularly those affecting that section which runs through Edgerton Conservation Area. Part of the HCS's objection stated:

'A significant number of mature trees are to be felled to enable roadway widening. Removal of trees along this section contradicts fundamental principles with regard to preserving and enhancing the character of the Conservation Area, as spelled out in Kirklees Council’s Edgerton CA Review 2007. 

'Attractive Victorian houses on the south side of the junction will be very seriously affected as will those householders who lose part of their gardens. Destruction of this kind, for a road improvement, which may only have a limited ‘life’ in terms of its overall benefits, will inevitably be viewed as an act of civic vandalism in the future. 

'In conclusion, while there may be elements of the full proposal that could be supported, there needs to be a serious reconsideration of that part which detrimentally affects Edgerton Conservation Area.'

Unfortunately, the council and WYCA appear to have ignored many of the concerns voiced in 2018 and seem determined to forge ahead with only minor changes to the original plan.

We understand that Kirklees Council will submit a planning application for the detailed scheme in January/February 2021. A Heritage Impact Assessment has been carried out which will be submitted with the planning application, where it will be available to view by the public.

A short film has recently been produced by Save the Trees Kirklees, who had full editorial control, with contributions from various local organisations, including the civic society. 

Please spare a few minutes to view the film and, unless some of our concerns have been addressed once the planning application is made public, to submit your objections to Kirklees Council.