More than 100 residents oppose plans to build new homes and health centre in Wakefield village
Opponents of the proposed development in Notton have raised concerns about traffic and the impact on wildlife
More than 100 people have lodged objections to plans to build 55 new homes and health facilities in a village in Wakefield.
Opponents of the proposed development in Notton have raised concerns about an increase in the traffic from the scheme and the loss of wildlife in the area.
Other residents have complained that construction of the properties could create a flood risk and said there was a lack of local school places to accommodate the new homes.
A developer described the plans as a “once in a generation opportunity” for the village when they were submitted to Wakefield Council in December.
Applicant Michael Smith has applied 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.
A planning statement to Wakefield Council said: “This provision responds directly to local concerns about stretched services and will bring essential healthcare facilities within easy walking distance.”
The document added: “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.”
Proposed access to the site is from Bleakley Lane.
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 last year 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. It is the natural continuation of a story that began over a century ago when the landowner’s grandfather first built cottages for farm workers and his father later helped shape the 1950s estate that still defines this part of the village today.
“This application carries that legacy forward, offering a new chapter that honours the past while delivering for the future.
A total of 130 objections have been submitted since the plans were put forward just over a month ago.
One objector said: “If a doctor’s surgery is part of the plan, this is many more journeys down a small rural road network.
“On Bleakley Lane there is already the aptly named ‘fatal crossroads’, the current speed limit is largely ignored and speeding vehicles are prevalent.
“I believe the proposed development would increase the volume of traffic to an unsafe level.”
Another opponent of the scheme added: “It is not clear how the proposal would make a positive contribution to the village.
“As much of the site lies in the greenbelt, it should be resisted.
“Wakefield has many brownbelt areas available.”
A third objector stated: “This is greenbelt land and, once lost, can never be replaced.
“The area is home to many species of wild life, in particular birds of prey.”
The council has so far received four comments in favour of the development.
Planning officers have yet to determine the application.