Council considers plan to create

Wakefield-based planning consultants Spawforths have approached Wakefield Council on behalf of several landowners to explore the benefits of an outdoor recreation park covering 32 square hectares of land between Newmillerdam and Featherstone.

A four-page report to the council's Cabinet committee entitled The Nine Lakes – A Forest Park for the Future, says the council should explore the potential benefits of the idea.

It says the Nine Lakes proposal covers a large area of around 35 square kilometres (13.5 sq miles) of open countryside south of Wakefield.

The land is owned by a relatively small number of organisations/individuals which include Nostell Estates, National Trust, UK Coal and Wakefield Council.

A map drawn up by Spaworths also names the other landowners as the Kay family, a Mr Dobson, and Pilkingtons.

"The proposal, which is at a very early stage of development, is to create outdoor leisure opportunities over its 10km length for walking, cycling, water-based sports and other outdoor activities yet to be defined," says the council report.

Initial concepts include a "Gateway" at either end and a potential "hub" in the middle where cycles could be hired from several points.

Food and drink and holiday accommodation could also be provided at strategic points, says the council report.

"Transport links are important to encourage access to other modes than the car. The concept could develop into a significant sub-regional attraction with the emphasis on active leisure."

The council says that an important aspect of the plans is that the area is next to nine settlements – Ryhill, Fitzwilliam, Ackworth, Featherstone, Sharlston, Crofton, Walton, Wakefield and Newmillerdam.

"Access and use by these communities is seen as a fundamental consideration. Opportunities for employment, nor only in the service sector but also in rural enterprises will bring additional benefits."

Because all the land is within the Green Belt the type of development envisaged would complement the open setting of the area, the report adds.

"The emphasis is strongly on outdoor recreation which is an appropriate use within the Green Belt."

The landowners contacted by Spawforths have been "supportive of the concept and are willing to work together to explore how the vision can be taken forward," the report notes.

Members of the Cabinet committee, which meets on Tuesday, April 13, will be asked to make a decision on whether to become directly involved or take "a more passive role and review the situation at a later date."

The report adds: "Wakefield Council is a significant landowner in the area of Newmillerdam and Wintersett. As a land owner it could have a significant role in shaping and developing the future of the proposal although no details have been prepared on which key decisions relating to the Council's land holdings need to be taken at present.

"As Planning authority the Council will have a fundamental role in managing and decision making influencing how the concept develops and how it meets local, regional and national planning policies. At present no planning decisions have to be made."

The report says that there are no financial implications for the council at present, other than staff time in working with other landowners.