THORNHELLS
#GardenVillageNightmares
We’re examining the evidence behind Calderdale’s Local Plan and South East Calderdale proposals — including borrowing levels, planned housing and employment growth, and the extent to which infrastructure and air quality impacts are addressed.
July 2026 update
Thornhells began as a focused response to the South East Calderdale/Thornhills proposals — to test the evidence, question assumptions and present the material in a way that residents could follow.
That approach remains important. But the same issues — viability, transport, delivery and accountability — extend across Calderdale.
From July 2026 our analysis will appear at Our Calderdale
Thornhells will remain online as a reference point for the Thornhills applications.
4 March 2026
Thornhills Phase 1a planning application:
the transport assessment reveals traffic increases
Thornhills Phase 1A – now 260 homesThe first planning application for Thornhills above Brighouse has already changed.The developer has reduced the scheme from 308 to 260 homes.But the core questions remain:• traffic impacts on Brighouse• safe routes to schools and amenities• whether the wider site can actually be deliveredResidents still have time to review the plans and submit comments.
Find out more, including how to respond
Clifton gets 650k – but is it right for Calderdale?
30 December 2025
At a time of deepening poverty, Calderdale is proposing to allocate £650,000 to Clifton Business Park.
Find out why we believe the spending undermines the Council’s Anti-Poverty Strategy and offers no guaranteed benefit to struggling residents.
Spending money at Clifton undermines Calderdale’s anti-poverty strategy
A new home for ThornHELLS analysis
12 April 2026
Today (12 April 2026), we wrote to our subscribers to confirm that ThornHELLS will close in early July 2026.
Our work is evolving into a broader platform focused on clear, accessible and evidence-based reporting on Calderdale. We will share details of our new home shortly.
Thank you for your support, encouragement and engagement throughout.