Homes and health centre plans for Wakefield village withdrawn
Plans to build a 55 homes and new health facilities in a Wakefield village have been withdrawn.
More than 130 residents lodged objection to a developer’s proposals for the scheme in Notton, claiming it could create traffic problems and impact on wildlife in the area.
Others complained the construction of properties could create a flood risk and said there was a lack of local school places to accommodate the new homes.
Wakefield Civic Society also opposed the project due to properties “encroaching” on the greenbelt.
Plans were submitted in December last year to build a range of properties and a “community hub” to house a GP surgery, dental practice and pharmacy on a 5.5 acre site off Bleakley Avenue.
Documents described the plans as a “once in a generation opportunity” for the village.
A planning statement said: “This provision responds directly to local concerns about stretched services and will bring essential healthcare facilities within easy walking distance.
“The proposals are carefully designed to deliver a balanced and inclusive housing mix, providing one to four-bedroom dwellings that meet the needs of all parts of the community.
“This includes affordable homes for local families, retirement bungalows for older residents, starter apartments for first-time buyers, and larger executive homes that allow households to grow without leaving the area.
“The landowner’s father and grandfather helped deliver the original homes here in the mid-20th century and this scheme proudly continues that tradition.
“It is a development born out of a local family legacy, offering the opportunity to modernise housing while strengthening the services and amenities that the whole community relies upon.”
Part of the site is designated as greenbelt land but the document said the site should be redefined as ‘greybelt’.
The greybelt concept was introduced by the government as part of an overhaul of the planning system designed to free up some greenbelt areas for development.
The report also said: “The Bleakley Lane development represents a once in a generation opportunity for Notton.”
“It is not just another housing scheme. “
An objection by the civic society said: “The developer refers to the site as greybelt but, as far as we are aware, the council has not identified the site as such.
“There are other concerns associated with the proposal, not least access, impact on biodiversity and capacity of the local sewer network.”
One resident opposed to the scheme said: “If a doctor’s surgery is part of the plan, this is many more journeys down a small rural road network.”
Another opponent added: “This is green belt land and, once lost, can never be replaced.
“The area is home to many species of wildlife, in particular birds of prey.”
Four residents contacted the council in support of the scheme.
The application was withdrawn on March 3, according to the local authority’s planning portal.