Objections to housing plan near Pontefract observatory reaches over 650
The number of residents objecting to a housing scheme near to an observatory in Pontefract has increased to more than 650.
Concerns have been raised that light pollution from 192 new homes will interfere with the work of stargazers at the West Yorkshire Astronomical Observatory, in Pontefract.
Persimmon Homes lodged plans with Wakefield Council in September to build on seven hectares of agricultural land at Holme Farm, in Carleton.
Residents have also complained that the development would add to traffic problems in the area.
Others said there was a lack of local infrastructure, including a shortage of doctors, dentists and school places, to accommodate more housing.
If approved, the development would include a range of two, three and four-bedroom properties.
The site is around 130m from the Rosse Observatory, which is used by members of West Yorkshire Astronomical Society (WYAS).
A total of 668 people objected to the scheme before the closing date for public comments, with six people in favour of the plans.
A spokesperson for some of the residents against the proposals said the site was “fundamentally unsuitable” for development.
They said: “It is known to flood, the sewerage system is operating beyond capacity, the traffic on the only access road, on which there is already a nursery, primary school, high school, church, graveyard and care home, is currently at dangerous levels.
“This site is a thriving ecosystem. It is home to rare and protected species, including bats, grey partridges and water voles.
“At the same time, brownfield sites around Pontefract remain vacant and undeveloped.”
George Ayre, councillor for Pontefract South, previously said: “The potential for light pollution affecting the observatory is one of the big concerns over this application.
“This is one of the leading observatories in the north of England.
“We have had notable people from across the world come to use it and it has been great for schools in the local area.
“People are worried that its exclusivity could be diminished by building 192 homes so close by.”
A planning statement prepared on behalf of Persimmon said the site had been allocated for housing under the council’s Local Plan and complied with national planning policy.
The statement said: “The design will create an attractive, high quality and sustainable neighbourhood with a distinct sense of place.
“The proposed design of the development seeks to be consistent with and enhance the character of the local residential area.
“It will contribute to the building of a strong, vibrant and healthy community by fostering a well-designed and beautiful safe place to live that contributes to the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment.”
A lighting assessment was also commissioned by the developer to address the light pollution concerns.
The document said a 200m “buffer” to the northwest of the site had been established “to prevent light pollution from potentially affecting the operations of the observatory.”
Proposed measures also include installing “smart glass” on properties facing towards the observatory to prevent “light spillage.”
WYAS was formed in 1973, when the first meeting took place at Pontefract Library.
Work on the observatory started in 1977, when Carleton Grange Community Centre offered the society space in its grounds.
It took six years to construct and was opened in 1983 by astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore.