Housing development to go ahead despite objections

Plans to build a housing estate on agricultural land in West Yorkshire have been approved by councillors - despite 152 objections to the scheme.

The development of 83 homes off Wharfedale Drive in Altofts, Wakefield, was given the go-ahead three months after a controversial scheme to build more than 400 houses next to the site was also approved.

Many who objected to the Avant Homes development highlighted previous concerns over road safety and a lack of local infrastructure including GPs, dentists and school places.

Wakefield Council’s planning committee approved the development by four votes to two, with one councillor abstaining.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), resident Mark Jennings and Jo Hepworth, councillor for Altofts and Whitwood, spoke against the plan at a meeting at Wakefield Town Hall.

Mr Jennings said a Freedom of Information Act request revealed five recent incidents involving cars and pedestrians at the junction leading on to the site.

He said the council put a traffic regulation order in place around the area of the junction five years ago.

He added: “Residents have regularly complained about speeding on Wharfedale Drive.

“This development borders the Taylor Wimpey site, where in excess of 400 houses were agreed in July this year.

“A further 83 would put more pressure on infrastructure.”

Hepworth told the meeting she had received regular complaints about traffic safety in the area from residents since being elected in 2015.

Charlotte Hatton, from Avant Homes, said the development would bring “a wide range of benefits to the community” through Section 106 legal agreements.

Section 106 agreements are paid by developers when they build homes, to help fund local infrastructure.

Ms Hatton said the financial contributions would fund road network improvements and help enhance public open spaces.

A planning officer’s report said the scheme was “acceptable in principle” and there were “no technical reasons” to refuse permission, subject to conditions being imposed.

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