600 sign petition objecting to more than 200 new homes

Council chiefs in Wakefield have also received additional letters of concerns from other residents and local politicians about the proposal to build 229 homes in the Wrenthorpe area of Wakefield but they are recommending the plan is given the green light.

Members of Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee will meet tomorrow to discuss whether to agree with council officer’s recommendations and approve the project, subject to conditions being agreed.

Redrow Homes are seeking full planning permission to redevelop land to the rear of Ruskin Avenue on a site that is currently used for agriculture and sewn with wheat that has recently been harvested.

A report to committee members says: “Full planning permission is sought for the residential development of 229 dwellings, incorporating two areas of public open space, and an improved access to the site involving the demolition of the existing dwelling at 33B Ruskin Avenue.

“It is proposed to widen and upgrade the existing field access off Ruskin Avenue by the demolition of the existing bungalow known as 33B Ruskin Avenue to create a single point of access into the site.”

A petition signed by 600 people has been received and 219 individual letters of objection have been received. Shadow chancellor, Ed Balls, the local MP, has written on behalf of constituents in his Morley and Outwood ward.

Mr Balls acknowledges the need to increase housing in Wakefield, however he raises questions about the suitability of the access road and the increased traffic on such a small avenue.

Campaign group, The Ruskin and Barnes Avenue Action Group, have gathered over 600 signatures on their petition against the proposal. They say existing services, such as schools, will be unable to cope and say the area is already prone to flooding, which residents fear will worsen.

Other letters of objection from residents say alternative brownfield sites in the district should be used before development on greenfield sites is considered, they are worried that the local highway network will not be able to cope with the extra traffic and fear the development will affect local wildlife.

In response, council officers, say the traffic generated by the new development, if given the go-ahead, should be accommodated by “existing or know improvements to highways.”

Council officers estimate there will be enough spaces for primary school pupils, however they say cash is being sought to meet the demand for extra secondary school places.

The developer wants to build a combination of largely two, three and four-bedroom two-storey homes.

It is not proposed that the development will include any flats or apartments.

In conclusion council officers recommend that the proposals should be given the go-ahead, subject to a number of conditions.

The report says: “It is acknowledged that there are significant issues to consider with this application including significant objections from local residents.

“However based on the assessment given and taking account all issues including the current focus by central government to promote sustainable growth it is considered, on balance, that permission is granted subject to conditions and the prior completion of Section 106 Legal Agreement to secure implementation of affordable housing, education contributions and residential travel plans.

“The application is a departure from the Development Plan and therefore if members are minded to approve the scheme referral to the Secretary of State will be required before a decision is issued.”

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