Meltham Greenway

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This consultation has concluded, thank you to everyone who took part.

New Meltham Greenway between Crosland Factory Lane picnic site and Fold Farm in Netherton

Project Background

Kirklees Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is working to develop new and improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities in Netherton.

This exciting project aims to develop a new section of Meltham Greenway, between Crosland Factory Lane picnic site and the Fold Farm housing development (adjacent to Netherton Fold) in Netherton.

We are developing plans to provide a brand new, accessible, traffic-free path that will allow people to connect with nature, enjoy a safer and quiet active journey, live healthier lifestyles, and enhance connectivity.

This project would be the next section of greenway to be developed on the former Meltham branch railway corridor. Existing sections of Meltham Greenway include the traffic-free path between Meltham (Morrisons) and Huddersfield Road, and a short section at the picnic site adjacent to Crosland Factory Lane.

Our Proposals

The proposed new greenway would be provided along the former railway embankment between the existing picnic site at Crosland Factory Lane, and the Fold Farm housing development (adjacent to Netherton Fold) in Netherton.

The project aims to:

  • Provide a new, accessible, 755m long path for walking, wheeling and cycling
  • Promote the use of active travel through a scenic heritage route
  • Improve access to green spaces
  • Provide physical and mental health benefits
  • Enhance connectivity

The new path is being designed to be fully accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters, opening up more of our greenspace to more people. The scheme will also feature new planting, wayfinding signage, place-making features and cycle parking. At the Crosland Factory Lane access point is it intended to improve safety for all by introducing a lower speed limit on the road.

This map shows the proposals for the section of Meltham Greenway that runs between Crossland Factory Lane and Netherton. Starting south west, one proposal is to reduce the speed limit from 50 mph to 30 mph on part of Crosland Factory Lane near the entrance to the picnic area. The proposals in the picnic area are for placemaking (such as an information board), cycle parking and the woodland to be retained and enhanced. The proposed 3m wide path for walking, wheeling and cycling begins at the bridge over the public right of way. The bridge will be repaired. The new, accessible greenway on the old railway track bed runs up to the housing at Fold Farm. Along the path, woodland will be retained on the banks, there will be tree works to allow access and use, and fencing along each side of the new greenway. The proposed greenway then comes to the housing at Fold Farm, which is just south west of Netherton.

The project will be delivered by Kirklees Council in partnership with the Combined Authority. The funding for this project is from central government and has been ringfenced, so we are only able to spend it on active travel projects like this one.

Tell us what you think

You can get in touch by:

Next steps

After the public consultation has closed, your feedback will be analysed and considered as we develop the final designs.

Subject to development of a successful business case and receiving planning approval, we expect construction to start in 2026.



Take our survey by Sunday 9 November 2025


New Meltham Greenway between Crosland Factory Lane picnic site and Fold Farm in Netherton

Project Background

Kirklees Council, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is working to develop new and improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities in Netherton.

This exciting project aims to develop a new section of Meltham Greenway, between Crosland Factory Lane picnic site and the Fold Farm housing development (adjacent to Netherton Fold) in Netherton.

We are developing plans to provide a brand new, accessible, traffic-free path that will allow people to connect with nature, enjoy a safer and quiet active journey, live healthier lifestyles, and enhance connectivity.

This project would be the next section of greenway to be developed on the former Meltham branch railway corridor. Existing sections of Meltham Greenway include the traffic-free path between Meltham (Morrisons) and Huddersfield Road, and a short section at the picnic site adjacent to Crosland Factory Lane.

Our Proposals

The proposed new greenway would be provided along the former railway embankment between the existing picnic site at Crosland Factory Lane, and the Fold Farm housing development (adjacent to Netherton Fold) in Netherton.

The project aims to:

  • Provide a new, accessible, 755m long path for walking, wheeling and cycling
  • Promote the use of active travel through a scenic heritage route
  • Improve access to green spaces
  • Provide physical and mental health benefits
  • Enhance connectivity

The new path is being designed to be fully accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters, opening up more of our greenspace to more people. The scheme will also feature new planting, wayfinding signage, place-making features and cycle parking. At the Crosland Factory Lane access point is it intended to improve safety for all by introducing a lower speed limit on the road.

This map shows the proposals for the section of Meltham Greenway that runs between Crossland Factory Lane and Netherton. Starting south west, one proposal is to reduce the speed limit from 50 mph to 30 mph on part of Crosland Factory Lane near the entrance to the picnic area. The proposals in the picnic area are for placemaking (such as an information board), cycle parking and the woodland to be retained and enhanced. The proposed 3m wide path for walking, wheeling and cycling begins at the bridge over the public right of way. The bridge will be repaired. The new, accessible greenway on the old railway track bed runs up to the housing at Fold Farm. Along the path, woodland will be retained on the banks, there will be tree works to allow access and use, and fencing along each side of the new greenway. The proposed greenway then comes to the housing at Fold Farm, which is just south west of Netherton.

The project will be delivered by Kirklees Council in partnership with the Combined Authority. The funding for this project is from central government and has been ringfenced, so we are only able to spend it on active travel projects like this one.

Tell us what you think

You can get in touch by:

Next steps

After the public consultation has closed, your feedback will be analysed and considered as we develop the final designs.

Subject to development of a successful business case and receiving planning approval, we expect construction to start in 2026.



Take our survey by Sunday 9 November 2025


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Survey

    We want to hear your views on our proposals to extend Meltham Greenway.

    Before you complete this survey, please have a look at the proposals in full on our Your Voice page (opens in new window).

    Please also read our privacy notice (opens in new window).

    This survey should only take around 10 minutes to complete. Please complete this survey by Sunday 9 November 2025.

    This consultation has concluded, thank you to everyone who took part.
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