Kirklees Estate up for sale

The Kirklees Estate, described by the selling agents Strutt & Parker as 'a fine historic estate with exciting development potential' is for sale, either as a whole, or in up to 20 lots.
The estate has been owned by the Armytage family in 1565, and contains the remains of Kirklees Priory, built in 1135 by Reyner de Fleming on the site of a Roman encampment.  The reputed grave of Robin Hood is situated close to the Priory remains.


'Exciting development potential' referred to in the sales brochure includes over 100 acres of land for employment provisionally allocated by Kirklees Council in the draft Local Development Framework.  The approximate outline is shown below:

The 750 acre 'oasis of calm' with 'splendid rolling topography' and 'pleasant views of the surrounding countryside' is also described as being 'isolated from the clamours of urban life'.


The 100 acre development site eats right into the heart of the estate, and if it loses its Green Belt status, then urban life will reach the doorstep of the principal residence, Priory Gardens.   Industrial buildings, together with light pollution, will be visible for miles around.  The many footpaths and woodlands will be engulfed, and those around the periphery will be ruined for ever.

The Old Oak wakes up

Here is the oak, ready to provide a nesting site for all kinds of wildlife.  The cool weather has prolonged the bright greens, yellows and pinks of the foliage around the Estate this year.  Together with the soft white of the wild cherry blossom, it looks a picture.  Kirklees councillors, please note...

Love it or hate it?

Oilseed rape at Dockentail

It's undeniably striking when in full flower, but overpoweringly smelly afterwards, especially when wet.  Whether you like it or not, surely it's preferable to a large industrial building?