Above: Green Party councillor, Matt Edwards with local activist Celia Hickson in Oakenshaw
Greens in Bradford and Kirklees are supporting campaigners, Save Our Spen, in fighting plans for a huge new warehouse in Kirklees close to a busy junction on M62. Sited near junction 26 (Chain Bar), it is expected to provide a massive warehouse for Amazon with movements 24 hours a day.
This proposal, if approved would act as a major traffic generator and put more pressure on local roads near Scholes and Oakenshaw. It is part of a trend towards more and more employment sited close to motorways junctions, partly to satisfy our increasing desire for our internet shopping.
The new warehouse plan is opposed by Save Our Spen, a campaign by residents and businesses affected by the plans. For more details and ideas of how to object see https://saveourspen.co.uk
Another massive warehouse complex, called Interchange 26, is under construction on the former North Bierley sewage works. Interchange 16 was criticised by Councillor Matt Edwards, (Green Party – Tong Ward, Bradford) when it sought to expand its warehousing activities after initial planning approval.
He said: “We have already seen Kirklees Council approve this massive development – completely ignoring the concerns of residents of Oakenshaw and the parents of children at Woodlands Primary School. Now the developer is wanting to go even further.”