Councillors asked to approve plans to build more than 450 homes in Normanton
Plans to build 454 new homes across two sites in a West Yorkshire town look set to be approved at a meeting next week.
Wakefield Council planning officers have recommended both developments be given the go-ahead despite objections from more than 300 residents.
Persimmon Homes wants to build 308 properties across 15 hectares of farmland to the west of Wakefield Road.
The land, near to the entrance to Welbeck landfill site and close to the town’s former brickworks, was removed from the greenbelt and allocated for housing in the council’s Local Plan in 2024.
The scheme involves the construction of 30 homes for social rent or shared ownership.
Some 224 objections have been submitted to the local authority, including those from district councillors, Normanton Town Council and the area’s MP Jon Trickett.
Concerns have been raised over an increase in traffic and a lack of local infrastructure to accommodate more housing.
Others highlighted increased flood risks posed by development and the impact on local wildlife.
Mr Trickett said: “I have consistently opposed use of greenbelt land for housing and the proposed development would not benefit the local community.
“The proposal would not provide enough affordable homes given local demand.
“Given the current economic challenges and ongoing difficulties in the NHS, I am sceptical about the extent of public engagement and the claims that the proposal would not have a significant impact on local GP services.”
A planning statement submitted on behalf of the developer said local health services were expected to be able to accommodate any new residents.
A council planning officer’s report said the development “would result in a high standard of housing environment.”
Commenting on the scheme, James Parkin, land director for Persimmon West Yorkshire, previously said: “This development will provide high quality new homes for local home buyers, built to a high design standard in keeping with the local area.
“With the need for new housing rightly high up the political agenda, we’re pleased to be working with Wakefield Council and local stakeholders to deliver homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers alike.”
The council’s planning and highways committee has also been recommended to give the green light to plans by Wimpey Taylor to build 137 houses on five hectares of agricultural land off Buckthorne Road.
A range of two, three and four-bedroom properties are proposed, including 14 affordable homes.
A total of 92 objections have been submitted citing concerns similar to those raised over the Persimmon development.
An officer’s report said: “The proposed development is acceptable in principle and, subject to the imposition of planning conditions and a legal agreement, there are considered to be no technical reasons to withhold planning permission.”
Councillors will consider both applications at a meeting on March 13.