Extra Air Quality Testing Ordered at Cleckheaton Building Site Amid Asbestos Concerns

Strategic Insights -

Fears about asbestos levels at a housing development site in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, have prompted Kirklees Council to launch an independent air quality testing program. The council announced that the new testing, which began on Monday, aims to reassure residents about the presence of asbestos in the area. The site, developed by Thirteen Group and Strata, was once home to industrial units, including those that handled asbestos. Local residents expressed "serious concerns" about dust escaping from the site and affecting nearby homes, with some stating they felt "terrified" and "helpless."

Key Takeaways:

  • Kirklees Council has ordered independent air quality testing around a housing development site in Cleckheaton due to concerns about asbestos levels.
  • The site, covering 6.5 hectares, is being developed by Thirteen Group and Strata, and is expected to deliver 180 new houses by 2028.
  • Residents raised concerns about potential asbestos exposure, citing "serious worries" about dust escaping from the site and affecting nearby homes.
  • A spokesperson for Kirklees Council stated that current testing has shown asbestos to be managed effectively, but additional testing has been ordered to quell resident concerns.
  • The council has pledged to step up its efforts to ensure all conditions controlling dust and managing contaminated land are being followed.
  • The development includes 110 affordable rent properties and 70 for shared ownership, and is supported by funding from Homes England's Affordable Homes Programme.
  • Councillor Graham Turner stated that the development is crucial to meeting Kirklees' housing needs, which require 1,730 new homes per year.

Statistics:

  • The site covers an area of approximately 6.5 hectares.
  • The development is expected to deliver 180 new houses by 2028.
  • 110 properties will be available for affordable rent and 70 for shared ownership.
  • 1,730 is the number of new homes needed annually in Kirklees, according to Councillor Graham Turner.

Sources:

  • Kirklees Council
  • Thirteen Group
  • Strata
  • Google Street View
  • Homes England's Affordable Homes Programme
  • Councillor Graham Turner