John Greenwood

An appeal by the occupier of a former allotment site on Wood Nook Lane, Sowerby Bridge, has halted Calderdale Council’s enforcement order requiring the removal of a masonry monument and pillars. The occupier says the activity was connected to tree planting, while residents allege extensive vegetation clearance, excavation and burial of imported materials amount to an unauthorised material change of use. The Planning Inspectorate has yet to formally begin the appeal, after which the site’s planning history and the grounds for the work are expected to receive further scrutiny.

The A646 at New Road in Hebden Bridge will remain closed while Yorkshire Water repairs a burst water main and consequential highway damage. A short diversion is in place between New Road, Commercial Street and Hope Street, with work expected to continue until Friday. Calderdale Council and Yorkshire Water warn of delays and congestion and advise motorists to plan journeys and allow extra travel time.

CDP Ltd and Chartford Homes have submitted an outline planning application for 30 homes on land west of Silverdale Terrace in Greetland. The site borders Keyland Developments’ proposed 230-home scheme, which has attracted nearly 400 objections and remains awaiting a council decision after a procedural irregularity. The new proposal offers two possible layouts, each comprising 26 houses and four flats, with access from Saddleworth Road, parking and potential links to future development. The site is allocated for housing in Calderdale’s Local Plan and borders Green Belt land.

A Calderdale Planning Committee meeting on Keyland Developments’ proposed 230-home development off Ellistones Lane in Greetland was criticized after attendees said they could not hear the proceedings in the Town Hall committee room. Resident Paul Hanson also objected to the venue’s limited capacity, noting that even an applicant representative had asked for a question to be repeated. The committee deferred its planning decision after concerns were raised about a key signature on the application documents. Calderdale Council said it would review the performance of the room’s new sound system and consider improvements.

The Aspire Trust has applied to Calderdale Council to vary a condition attached to previously approved work at Jamia Mosque Hadith on Hopwood Lane, Halifax. The proposed amendments would reopen a historic blocked doorway and add obscure-glazed windows to the raised roof section to improve natural lighting while protecting privacy. The supporting statement says the changes are minor and would not materially affect the mosque’s scale, form, appearance or character.

Calderdale Council has approved a revised catering policy that restores meat and dairy options to council-funded events while continuing to offer plant-based meals. The change is intended to support local businesses, farmers and supply chains, but Green group leader Martin Hey says it could triple catering-related carbon emissions and weaken the council's climate commitments. Council Leader Dan Sutherland defended the inclusive approach and told critics they could choose plant-based diets themselves and reduce their reliance on large cars.

Wellholme Park in Brighouse is scheduled to reopen on 29 July 2026 after improvements delivered through the Brighouse Flood Alleviation Scheme. The redesigned park includes flood-storage zones, a reconfigured river channel, removed weirs and barriers, improved paths and enhanced habitats. It can temporarily store around 8,900 cubic metres of water before releasing it over one to two days, reducing flood risk to homes and businesses while remaining a usable public park. The Environment Agency and Calderdale Council are delivering the work with ARUP and BAM.

Pride banners displayed across Calderdale are being removed by the Reform UK–led council, prompting criticism from Labour, which argues the banners were crowdfunded and legally displayed under a commercial contract. Council leader Dan Sutherland says the removal is required under UK Government rules because the installations lacked proper approval, while stressing the council’s support for inclusivity. Labour leader Adam Wilkinson calls the decision politically driven and warns it sends an unwelcoming message to LGBTQ+ residents, urging the administration to reverse course and focus on local issues.