As we move into spring, the Parish Council has continued to support a range of local projects, services and community activity across the Holme Valley. Here is a summary of some of the work and decisions from January to March 2026.
Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Report
The Annual Parish Meeting took place on 23 March 2026 at The Civic, Holmfirth, bringing together residents, councillors and local organisations.
The meeting included short presentations from local groups, including Holmfirth Children’s Book Festival, Café 100, Honley Village Community Trust, Democracy Friendly Schools, and the Holme Valley Climate Action Partnership (HVCAP). These contributions provided an opportunity to hear directly about local projects and community work taking place across the valley.
The Parish Council also presented its Annual Report for 2025/26, alongside a short video summarising the year’s work. You can read the full report here:
Grants Supporting Local Projects and Facilities
Grants approved during the March round will support a wide range of local initiatives, facilities and community events.
Recent awards included funding towards:
- Safety improvements, such as new fire alarm systems at community facilities
- Improvements to community buildings and shared spaces
- Local festivals and events bringing people together
- Environmental and well-being activities, including guided walks and food-focused community projects
Councillors have also begun visiting organisations to see funded projects in action. Cllr Wilson recently visited Holmfirth Harriers at Neiley Pavilion, where a Parish Council grant supported the installation of a hybrid heating system to improve sustainability and reduce running costs at the pavilion. Cllr Wilson said “Over subsequent years Neiley Pavilion has been developed to the current facility and the grant from HVPC has enabled the continuing improvement via Solar PV panels and battery storage making the building more efficient whilst supporting the drive to reduce its carbon footprint.”
Helen Haigh, president of Holmfirth Harriers said “We are extremely grateful to Holme Valley Parish Council for their support and funding towards the installation of a hybrid heating system combining an air source heat pump with a back-up gas boiler. This project represents an important step towards reducing energy costs, improving environmental sustainability, and future-proofing Neiley’s energy infrastructure. Neiley Pavilion plays an important role as a community facility, and the new heating and hot water system will help us to increase lettings and better support a wider range of local community groups in a cost-effective and sustainable way.”
For a full list of the March 2026 grant recipients, please visit:
The Civic – New Lease and Future Planning
A new 35-year lease for The Civic, Holmfirth has been approved, providing long-term security for the building and supporting future planning.
The Civic is owned by the Parish Council and operated by the Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust. Work is continuing to develop a long-term vision for the building, including its future purpose and physical development.
A public consultation on the future of The Civic is expected later this year, with details to be announced.
Parish Precept Set for 2026/27
In February, the Parish Council agreed its precept for 2026/27, with the average Band D household charge set at £41.27. This represents a small decrease of 25 pence compared to 2025/26.
Read more about the precept here:
New Councillor Elected
A new parish councillor was elected to represent Netherthong ward following a by-election held on 5 February 2026. The Parish Council welcomes Cllr Rob Butler.
Community Governance Review – Have Your Say
Residents are encouraged to take part in the Community Governance Review currently being carried out by Kirklees Council. This review considers proposed changes to parish boundaries and representation in the Holme Valley area. Community feedback will help shape the final decisions, and residents are encouraged to take part before the consultation deadline – more information is available via the below link:
Shopfront Design Guide Distributed
A Shopfront Design Guide has been distributed to local businesses, designers and property professionals across the Holme Valley. Produced in partnership with the Holmfirth Conservation Group, the guide provides practical advice to help maintain and enhance the character of local shopping areas. It is intended as guidance rather than regulation. More information can be found here:
Responding to National Planning Policy Consultation
Members of the Parish Council’s Local Plan Reference Group held public feedback sessions to gather local views on proposed changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). These sessions provided residents with an opportunity to share their views and discuss potential impacts on planning and development in the Holme Valley. Feedback gathered from residents was used to prepare a consolidated response, which was submitted to the national consultation
Supporting Local Nature and Biodiversity
The Parish Council has launched its Urban Nature Reserves newsletter, sharing updates about biodiversity projects in the valley. Recent work includes habitat improvements, swift box installations and partnership work with a local school and residents in Netherthong to support wildlife. To sign up for the eNewsletter, visit: