Kirklees council has given the go-ahead for the demolition of 650 houses as part of a 拢50m urban regeneration project in the Deighton and Brackenhall areas of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
The demolitions will take place despite objections from some of the residents affected, who staged a protest at Huddersfield town hall in April. But last week, the council signed a joint venture agreement with developer Southdale Homes after 18 months of public consultation.

Southdale's partner, Leeds-based architect Watson & Batty, said residents would be rehoused. Watson & Batty director Mike Broadhead said: "A lot of the homes were voids 鈥� people on the estate who want to stay can do."

Broadhead added that the public consultation process had been comprehensive. He said: "Along with Southdale Homes, we have been in a period of close consultation with members of the local communities to ascertain exactly what they want."

We have consulted members of the local communities to ascertain exactly what they want

Mike Broadhead, director, Watson & Batty

The 40-strong practice has developed a five-year project to build 640 houses and improved leisure, health and education facilities.

Project leaders hope to secure funding from the government's single regeneration budget, and have already won some neighbourhood renewal money. The project is linked to the government's New Deal employment scheme.