Cleckheaton site work halted amid asbestos fears

Residents near the Cleckheaton development want work stopped after asbestos dust was found in homes.

Cleckheaton site work halted over asbestos fears

In October 2023 planning permission was granted for a plot off Westgate, Cleckheaton, with Strata Homes later handing the site to Thirteen Group for affordable housing. A 2023 contamination report noted asbestos present in parts of the site and suggested an unknown amount had been dumped in an area previously occupied by a chemical works. A remediation plan laid out how risks would be addressed. Since work began, residents have sent dust samples to asbestos expert Acorn. Local Democracy Reporting Service documents from June and July show amosite in two samples and chrysotile in three samples, collected mostly from gardens and one from a windowsill. Thirteen Group says work is being carried out in phases and in full compliance with regulations. Matt Forest, chief executive of Thirteen Group, said Kirklees Council and the Health and Safety Executive found nothing of concern and that assurances had been sought from the remediation contractor. A Kirklees Council spokesperson said residents’ concerns are being taken seriously and that steps to keep people safe are being communicated, but concerns remain.

The episode highlights the tension between housing development and public health when land use carries historical contamination. Officials stress procedural checks and phased remediation, while residents demand full transparency and independent verification. The case underscores how trust in developers depends on visible safety safeguards and timely updates, not promises alone.

Highlights

Eventually, independent testing and clear communication will shape how the project moves forward.