How to object and what you need to know!

The developers and Kirklees Council have pushed the proposed development to a crucial stage. We now have the opportunity to object and have our say!

This page is intended to provide information to opponents of the development. It is not intended to, and should not be treated as, providing advice on planning or any other matters.

We need to get as many objections as we can in, but we also need to cover off lots
of valid reasons for objections.

Please share this page with others who may find it useful.

Deadline For Objections: 22nd April 2026

Reasons To Object

Reason for objection

The site is designated Green Belt land in the adopted Local Plan. The proposed development does not fall within any of the exceptions for appropriate Green Belt development and would harm the openness of the Green Belt.

Evidence and policy support

  • The land is currently designated as Green Belt in the Local Plan.
  • The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (paragraphs 141–147) confirm that new development in the Green Belt is inappropriate unless it falls within limited categories (e.g. agriculture, limited infilling, redevelopment of brownfield land).
  • Housing need alone does not constitute “very special circumstances” (VSC) capable of outweighing Green Belt harm.
  • Even where the “tilted balance” applies, Green Belt policies are specifically excluded under NPPF paragraph 11(d) footnote 7.
An extra 123 houses would bring an extra 289 people to the village, of which 88 would be school age children. It would also mean another 160 cars and 158,000 extra car journeys a year (all figures use The Government’s UK National Statistics).

Reason for objection

The site is poorly located in sustainability terms, with limited access to services, employment, and facilities by walking or public transport.

Evidence and policy support

  • Upper Cumberworth has minimal local services, with key facilities over 2km away in Denby Dale.
  • National Design Guidance and Sustrans research identify 800m as a standard walkable distance for daily needs.
  • NPPF paragraph 8 requires development to meet environmental, social, and economic sustainability objectives.

Reason for objection

The development would cause unacceptable harm to the rural landscape character and valued views that contribute to the identity of Upper Cumberworth and its setting.

Evidence and policy support

  • The site lies within the Pennine foothills landscape, characterised by rolling countryside, hedgerows, pasture, and woodland.
  • The proposal would  visually intrude on the landscape, eroding openness and rural character.
  • NPPF paragraph 180(b) requires recognition of the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.
  • Case law confirms “valued landscapes” need not be nationally designated where demonstrable physical and community value exists.

Reason for objection

The development would result in harm to ancient woodland, an irreplaceable habitat afforded the highest level of protection in national policy.

Evidence and policy support

  • Upper Dearne Woodlands are recorded as semi-natural ancient woodland with continuous tree cover since at least 1600 AD.
  • The woodland is subject to a blanket Tree Preservation Order and contains significant ecological assets.
  • NPPF paragraph 180(c): development resulting in loss or deterioration of ancient woodland should be refused unless wholly exceptional reasons exist.
  • Woodland Trust guidance reinforces the presumption against development affecting ancient woodland.
  • The development application indicates that houses will be built up to 15 metres from the woodland. The site is registered as a semi natural ancient woodland where there has been tree cover since at least 1600 AD.  It is subject to a blanket tree preservation order and is host to abundant ecological assets.
  • There is a danger this will damage the root systems. West Yorkshire Combined Authority will adopt a minimum 50 metre gap in March 2026.

Reason for objection

The proposal would cause habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and disturbance to protected and notable species, contrary to national policy and biodiversity net gain requirements.

Evidence and policy support

  • The site supports a rich assemblage of mammals, birds, and invertebrates, including bats, owls, lapwing, curlew, skylark, and wood ants (a keystone species).
  • NPPF paragraphs 179–180 require biodiversity protection and enhancement and give great weight to conserving biodiversity.
  • Ancient woodland qualifies as an irreplaceable habitat where compensation cannot offset loss.
  • Mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (Environment Act 2021) may be unachievable given the sensitivity of the site.

Reason for objection

The development would harm designated and non-designated heritage assets and their settings, including archaeological remains and the Upper Cumberworth Conservation Area.

Evidence and policy support

  • Archaeological evidence indicates remains of a medieval or post-medieval fulling mill within the woodland.
  • The Conservation Area Appraisal identifies key panoramic views across the valley and Green Belt fields as contributing to significance.
  • NPPF paragraphs 199–203 require great weight to be given to heritage conservation and clear justification for any harm.

Reason for objection

There is evidence of existing drainage and sewer capacity problems which could be exacerbated by development.

Evidence and policy support

  • Recorded sewer surcharging and foul sewage discharge near Barnsley and Wakefield Roads.
  • Presence of springs and altered land contours raises concerns over surface water runoff.
  • NPPF paragraphs 159–169 require development to avoid increasing flood risk elsewhere.

Reason for objection

The development would exacerbate existing highway safety issues on the A635, particularly when combined with approved quarry traffic. How would this effect the junction in the village, the Sovereign junction and the junction on Carr Hill Road?

Evidence and policy support

  • A635 is heavily trafficked and subject to speeding, HGV movements, and increased quarry traffic of up to 120 HGV movements per day.
  • The road would effectively bisect the settlement, increasing pedestrian risk, including for children.
  • Traffic surveys were undertaken during school holidays and before quarry operations, undermining their reliability.
  • NPPF paragraph 111 allows refusal where cumulative impacts on highway safety are severe.

Key Points When Objecting

Please read through these Key Points and our Top Tips.  Bear them in mind when writing your comments.

Objections are by individuals and not only one per household.

A house with 5 people for example, can submit up to 5 objections per planning application!

We hope you will manage more than one per household, this is our best way to
increase our objections. There isn’t an age restriction on who can object.

Maybe your son or daughter uses the woods at school? This could form their own personal objection.

You are encouraged to use your own words where possible as identically worded objections will be treated as one single objection irrespective of the actual numbers involved.

  • Do not cut and paste
  • Do not use AI

Your objection will hold more weight if it is not seen as a template letter, so use your own words as much as possible.

You don’t need to write a huge essay—a short, relevant comment is just as worthwhile as something much longer. But please use your own words!

Be specific, avoiding vague or general statements, and make your points factual. Attend our workshops if in doubt and we will guide you through the process.

At the bottom of this page is a comprehensive list of the primary ‘valid’ reasons for raising an objection. You can click on each item for further details and identify which issues resonate with you.

Feel free to select relevant sections from your chosen points and provide as much detail as you’d like in your comments.

If in doubt you can refer to Kirklees Council’s Development Plan.

Kirklees Development Plan

It is really easy to do and only takes a few minutes.

If anyone needs assistance with writing an objection, please email cecaghelp@gmail.com or attend one of our workshops. Visit our Facebook page for
dates and locations.

Top tips on your objections

  1. Refer to the Development Plan and, if you can, list policies that support your case and explain why. Recognise and respond to development plan policies that conflict with your views.

  2. Explain what other planning issues you believe should affect the decision.

  3. Explain how the development affects the local community as a whole.

  4. Be clear and courteous, avoid personal issues and concentrate on the facts of the
    case.

  5. Separate out each point you want to make.

  6. Try to be concise.

  7. Get comments in on time. The deadline for objections is 16th  March 2026—please ensure you get your comments in before the deadline.

Specific Guidance by Objection Method

Click below for your preferred method of objection.

How to object by email

You must include your name and address but state you want to be anonymous online, if you do not want your name published.

To make comments on the proposed site you need to email: dc.admain@kirklees.gov.uk.

You MUST include the correct planning reference in your email for your comments to be considered, which is Upper Cumberworth 2025/60/93572/E.

NB: This method relies on someone at the council adding your objection to the online portal and carries a potential for error or ‘getting lost’ so check that your objection appears online.

How to object online

Comments of up to 500 words can be made via the Kirklees website. Longer objections will need to be submitted by email (see above).

Submitting your objection online is really easy to do and only takes a few minutes. You don’t need a Kirklees online account.

Please click NO to the question “Do you wish your comments to be published anonymously?”.

The reason for this is that anonymous comments ‘may’ not be counted, but Kirklees have confirmed they no longer publish your details online, so it’s better to be safe and be counted. So please click NO.

Visit the Kirklees Council Planning Portal.

Screenshot showing how to make a comment on a planning application on Kirklees Council website
Screenshot showing how to continue as a guest when commenting on planning application on Kirklees Council website

ALSO NOTE: If you sign in and your address is deemed too far away YOU CAN STILL OBJECT. Use the ‘Continue as a Guest’ solution as shown above.

Screenshot showing how to inert your details when commenting on planning application on Kirklees Council website
Screenshot showing prefilled form when commenting on planning application on Kirklees Council website
Screenshot showing type of comment choices when commenting on planning application on Kirklees Council website
Screenshot showing how to downlaod a PDF when commenting on planning application on Kirklees Council website

You WILL NOT automatically receive an email confirming your submission. If you want to keep a record, either take a screenshot of the confirmation page or click the button at the bottom of the confirmation page that says ‘Download PDF’.

How to object by post

This method relies heavily on someone at the council adding your objection to the online portal. It also carries a larger risk of not being submitted in time—so please ensure that your objection is posted in good time.

Send your letter of objection to Kirklees Council Planning and Development Service, PO Box 1720, Huddersfield, HD1 9EL.

Please note the deadline is 23rd February 2026 so please ensure that your letter is sent in time to allow for delivery—which is potentially longer than we are traditionally used to.

How to object by hand delivery

Kirklees Council will accept hand-delivered letters of objection.

Ensure you get a receipt from Kirklees if you hand deliver, or alternatively drop your letter/objection at Upper Cumberworth Post Office and we will deliver for you.

Stay in the loop

Sign up to get CECAG campaign updates delivered straight to your inbox.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Name
×