Glynn Lane Honley

How Great is Honley

Did you know that Honley hosts one of West Yorkshire’s oldest agricultural shows? The Honley Show celebrated its 103rd year in 2024 and draws thousands of visitors each year, adding a livelysprit to the village’s already vibrant atmosphere. Nestled in the crook of the southern Pennines, Honley has a rich and storied past, especially in the textile industry that flourished here during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it’s a place of warm community spirit, scenic walking and cycle routes and a wonderful mix of tradition and modern comforts – it is truly a fantastic place to call home. Local amenities include St Mary’s Church, a library, a medical practice, a dentist’s surgery and fitness facilities. There is a variety of newsagents and a small co-operative food store. You’re also just a short five-minute drive from Britain’s very first farm shop, Hinchliffe’s, where you’ll find everything you need from fresh farm eggs to fine wines – it’s a true one-stop shop! For food and drink, Honley combines cosy village charm with a delightful selection of independent shops, cafes and pubs – there really is something for everyone! Jacob’s Well, a pub that has welcomed guests since 1892, serves a classic menu and fantastic drinks selection, while La Dantri offers a romantic Italian dining experience. Wired Coffee and Cake is a great spot for a cuppa and a catch up, or if you fancy something stronger, head down to Krafty Connoisseurs for craft beers and refreshing gin cocktails.

LOCAL SCHOOLS

Honley is a great choice for families, thanks to its highly regarded schools. The local primaryschool is Honley CE Junior, Infant and Nursery School, which was recently rated “Good” as aschool and “Outstanding” in Personal Development by OFSTED. Honley High School, for 11–16-year-olds, was rated “Good” by OFSTED in December 2023. There are a variety of Sixth FormColleges that are accessible by public transport.

TRANSPORT LINKS

Honley Railway Station is on the Penistone Line which runs from Huddersfield to Sheffield. Travel by car to:

Huddersfield in 15 minutes. Holmfirth in 10 minutes. Leeds in 45 minutes. Sheffield in 54 minutes. Manchester in 1 hour.

BACKGROUND

In the 2016 local plan review the site was allocated for housing (HS167) The indicative capacity of the site was defined as 50 dwellings

In 2019 an outline planning application (2019/60/91388/W) for the erection of up to 50 no. dwellings, all matters reserved except access was submitted on the 25th April 2019. However the application was withdrawn on the 12th October 2019.

The outline application 2019/91388 was set to be determined at planning committee on 14 October 2019. The proposal had been recommended for refusal on the basis that insufficient information had been provided to demonstrate that and appropriate safe access onto Gynn Lane could be achieved, without crossing third party land. This was considered to increase the potential risk to highway safety.

The recommendation for refusal also emanated from insufficient information being submitted to demonstrate that the highway access would no result in the loss of protected trees of amenity value. This also related to a negative impact on biodiversity, both without the necessary mitigation measures in place.

At the time of submission of the outline application, Kirklees Local Plan Allocations and Designations had been adopted (27 February 2019). The planning history demonstrates that the principle of development at the site is acceptable since the site formed part of a housing allocation.

A key consideration in the previous outline application centred around the proposed new access and culvert over Ludhill Dike. The LLFA raised concerns over increasing the length of the culvert and the angle of the entry point. This was both to prevent blockage and exceedance of the culvert form Ludhill Dike for maintenance purposes and in the interest of reducing risks to persons or animals entering the culvert (with or without permission).

The Arboricultural Officer considered the previous scheme to result in the loss of additional trees beyond the submission Arboricultural Method Statement, due to the regarding of the landscape around Ludhill Dike. This was considered to result in a significant gap in the protected woodland area that would undermine the purpose of the woodland protection order.

The Biodiversity Officer was satisfied that the previous scheme’s design of the culvert could mitigate any impacts to local ecological species. The officer considered the option that maintained the openness of the culvert to be the most suitable to limit ecological impacts, prevent further impacts to protected trees and allow ledges to facilitate safe passage for mammals.

The proposed access was not considered to sufficiently demonstrate a safe and suitable access onto the site. The proposals incorporated a 5.5m carriageway with a 1.2m verge and 2m pedestrian footway that would link to the north wide of Gynn Lane to the east of the access. Particular regard was given to the achievable visibility splays and it was not supported that 2.4m 43m splays to the west of Gynn Lane could be achieved. Notwithstanding the issue with the access, officers consider that the other highway and transport matters would be acceptable subject to the necessary conditions.

The previous outline application suggested that the site would have negligible harm in terms of heritage on the pair of listed terraces (30 and 32 Gynn Lane). Residential development in this location was also considered acceptable by Environmental and Public Health, in relation to noise impacts from the railway adjacent to the east.

The Committee Report considered that drainage matters could be satisfactorily dealt with by the imposition of conditions. It is therefore considered that matters to do with drainage and flood risk can be overcome as part of this planning application.

In conclusion, the planning history clearly demonstrates that the principle of development is acceptable. Subject to a future application giving due consideration to the proposed access, associated culvert, and impacts on protected trees, it should be possible to overcome the reasons for refusal of 2019/91388.

SITE PLANS

Feedback We have discussed our plans with Cllr Tony McGrath and Donna Bellamy and the Honley Business Group who have given encouraging feedback. We have asked Cllr Charles Greaves for early engagement but he has asked to reserve judgement until the formal application is submitted.

If you have any feedback about our proposed development please submit these to:

[email protected](mailto:[email protected])