More than 350 objections to housing plan next to West Yorkshire Astronomical Observatory

Concerns have been raised that light pollution from 192 new homes will interfere with the work of stargazers at the facility in Pontefract.

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.

Persimmon has applied to Wakefield Council to build on seven hectares of agricultural land at Holme Farm, in Carleton.

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).

George Ayre, councillor for Pontefract South, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “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.”

Councillor Ayre also raised residents’ other concerns in a formal objection to the application and has requested the it be determined by the council’s planning committee rather than officers.

He said: “This scheme will increase traffic danger around two schools and a nursery, worsen flooding for existing residents, destroy valuable green habitat, and impose hundreds of extra car journeys on roads already beyond capacity.

“It relies on outdated transport evidence, hollow sustainability claims, and an inadequate appreciation of local infrastructure constraints.”

A planning statement prepared on behalf of Persimmon said the scheme said the site had been allocated for housing under Wakefield Council’s Local Plan and complied with local and national planning policies.

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’ from the Rosse Observatory to the northwest of the site has been established to prevent light pollution from potentially affecting the operations of the observatory.”

Proposed measures 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 Rosse Observatory started in 1977, when Carleton Grange Community Centre offered the society space in its grounds.

Building took six years, with all members pitching in to help.

It was opened in September 1983 by renowned astronomer and broadcaster Sir Patrick Moore.