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


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

Ask us a questions and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. Please note your question and the answer will be published on this page.

  • Share Why is this not being connected all the way to the current Meltham greenaway, would it not be financially more prudent in the long term to carry out all the work at the same time, on Facebook Share Why is this not being connected all the way to the current Meltham greenaway, would it not be financially more prudent in the long term to carry out all the work at the same time, on Twitter Share Why is this not being connected all the way to the current Meltham greenaway, would it not be financially more prudent in the long term to carry out all the work at the same time, on Linkedin Email Why is this not being connected all the way to the current Meltham greenaway, would it not be financially more prudent in the long term to carry out all the work at the same time, link

    Why is this not being connected all the way to the current Meltham greenaway, would it not be financially more prudent in the long term to carry out all the work at the same time,

    Carl Wilson asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch. Completing further sections of Meltham Greenway remain a long-term ambition. We will continue to explore options for bringing other sections forward alongside consideration for landowners, route options, funding and design guidance.

  • Share Why do you ask for details of religion and sexual orientation in a questionnaire about use of a greenway? on Facebook Share Why do you ask for details of religion and sexual orientation in a questionnaire about use of a greenway? on Twitter Share Why do you ask for details of religion and sexual orientation in a questionnaire about use of a greenway? on Linkedin Email Why do you ask for details of religion and sexual orientation in a questionnaire about use of a greenway? link

    Why do you ask for details of religion and sexual orientation in a questionnaire about use of a greenway?

    asked about 2 months ago

    We ask 'About You' questions in all our questionnaires. This is to understand if we're hearing from different people with different demographics. We want to make sure we are not excluding anyone from having their say. Plus, as a public body, we have a Public Sector Equality Duty. We understand if some people don't wish to tell us, which is why none of our questions are mandatory, and there's always a 'prefer not to say' option.

  • Share Will Meltham Greenway be accessible for horse riders too as this is not mentioned in the information? on Facebook Share Will Meltham Greenway be accessible for horse riders too as this is not mentioned in the information? on Twitter Share Will Meltham Greenway be accessible for horse riders too as this is not mentioned in the information? on Linkedin Email Will Meltham Greenway be accessible for horse riders too as this is not mentioned in the information? link

    Will Meltham Greenway be accessible for horse riders too as this is not mentioned in the information?

    Stephanie Tyers asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch. Consideration will be given to potential access for horse riders as we work though the development stage, however the final design will depend on several factors including land ownership, route positioning and space, safety, and design guidance. 

    We have now added this as an additional FAQ, so thank you for your feedback.

  • Share Can we please make this an accessible bridle way too please … it could be a lovely safe space to ride , like the path at Dunford Bridge on Facebook Share Can we please make this an accessible bridle way too please … it could be a lovely safe space to ride , like the path at Dunford Bridge on Twitter Share Can we please make this an accessible bridle way too please … it could be a lovely safe space to ride , like the path at Dunford Bridge on Linkedin Email Can we please make this an accessible bridle way too please … it could be a lovely safe space to ride , like the path at Dunford Bridge link

    Can we please make this an accessible bridle way too please … it could be a lovely safe space to ride , like the path at Dunford Bridge

    JoolieJoolz asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch with us about Meltham Greenway. Consideration will be given to potential access for horse riders as we work though the development stage. However, the final design will depend on several factors including land ownership, route positioning and space, safety, and design guidance. 

  • Share Is this for horse riders as well? on Facebook Share Is this for horse riders as well? on Twitter Share Is this for horse riders as well? on Linkedin Email Is this for horse riders as well? link

    Is this for horse riders as well?

    Richard Johnson asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch with us. Consideration will be given to potential access for horse riders as we work though the development stage. However the final design will be contingent on several factors including land ownership, route positioning and space, safety, and design guidance. 

  • Share Will the path have a 'hard' surface to avoid being damaged by bicycles ?. Litter Bins ?. Dog poo bins ?. on Facebook Share Will the path have a 'hard' surface to avoid being damaged by bicycles ?. Litter Bins ?. Dog poo bins ?. on Twitter Share Will the path have a 'hard' surface to avoid being damaged by bicycles ?. Litter Bins ?. Dog poo bins ?. on Linkedin Email Will the path have a 'hard' surface to avoid being damaged by bicycles ?. Litter Bins ?. Dog poo bins ?. link

    Will the path have a 'hard' surface to avoid being damaged by bicycles ?. Litter Bins ?. Dog poo bins ?.

    Chris. asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for your questions about Meltham Greenway. Your suggestions for bins will be taken into consideration as we develop the scheme. It is proposed that an all-weather path with a smooth, sealed and durable surface suitable for walking, wheeling and cycling will be provided.

  • Share Good morning, will we be able to ride a horse in this pathway please ? The local roads are so busy with fast traffic, it’s nice to be able to get off them. on Facebook Share Good morning, will we be able to ride a horse in this pathway please ? The local roads are so busy with fast traffic, it’s nice to be able to get off them. on Twitter Share Good morning, will we be able to ride a horse in this pathway please ? The local roads are so busy with fast traffic, it’s nice to be able to get off them. on Linkedin Email Good morning, will we be able to ride a horse in this pathway please ? The local roads are so busy with fast traffic, it’s nice to be able to get off them. link

    Good morning, will we be able to ride a horse in this pathway please ? The local roads are so busy with fast traffic, it’s nice to be able to get off them.

    Jane Grieve asked about 2 months ago

    Thank you for getting in touch about Meltham Greenway. Consideration will indeed be given to potential access for horse riders as we work though the development stage. However the final design will depend on several factors, including land ownership, route positioning and space, safety, and design guidance.