Controversial plans for a greenfield housing development that have attracted hundreds of objections are in line for the go ahead.
The council’s east plans panel, which meets on Thursday, is being recommended to approve an application to build 92 homes at Daisy Hill in Morley.
The site is one brought forward for development following the council’s defeat at a string of planning inquiries at which it opposed greenfield housing applications.
This scheme put forward by Persimmon Homes (West Yorkshire and Priestgate Morley Ltd) faces opposition from Morley Town Council, over 300 residents in the area and the newly-formed Morley Against Reckless Construction (MARC).
Coun Robert Finnigan, who sits on the panel, said “Residents have raised their concerns about traffic and road safety issues, drainage and flooding problems along with the loss of a useful greenfield site which benefits the community. Other concerns include sustainability of this site as local primary schools have no room for additional children and other local infrastructure – such as health centres and dentists – are unable to cope with this significant level of development.
“I have grave concerns about the sustainability of a housing estate on this location. The flooding problems locally are well known and I am sensitive to the concerns of local employer Harder Brothers who also believe that this application, if agreed, could undermine their business and lead to the loss of local jobs. The panel will be made aware of all these concerns before any final decision is taken.”
Chairman of MARC, Dave Paul, is to speak for residents at the meeting.
A report to the panel recommends councillors agree approval once an agreement requiring the developer to provide nearly £850,000 for education, greenspace, footpath, public transport and highway improvements has been signed.
The report says: “The principle of development accords with the Unitary Development Plan and the design and layout of the development is in line with the council’s residential design guide.”
Comments