Housing scheme approved despite road safety concerns

Plans to build houses next to a key road junction in South Elmsall have been given the go-ahead despite concerns over road safety.

Wakefield Council approved proposals to build four homes at a 3,000 sq m site near to traffic lights at the junction Minsthorpe Lane, Mill Lane and Dale Lane.

The scheme submitted on behalf of the applicant said a bungalow on the land would remain in place and family homes would be constructed on green space next to it.

Plans include creating a new private access road to the development.

A planning statement said: “The new residential accommodation will be of high quality and complimentary to the surrounding context.

“The proposals will not have a detrimental impact on the amenities of neighbouring residents.

“We consider the proposals to be compliant with relevant planning policy and the development will contribute positively to the area by providing sought-after family homes.”

Six people objected to the application, citing concerns over traffic safety and potential loss of privacy for people living nearby.

One objector said: “This stretch of road already experiences high volumes of traffic, and the additional access point would increase the risk of accidents.

“Children regularly use the pavement walking home from school and increased traffic movements at this location would place them at greater risk.

Another commented: “The introduction of additional vehicle movements associated with this development will significantly increase the risk of collisions, particularly with vehicles attempting to turn in and out of the site.”

No comments in favour of the scheme were submitted.

A council highways officer said the development “could be adequately accommodated without creating problems of safety or congestion.”

A planning officer’s report said: “The proposal allows for a good standard of residential accommodation to be provided whilst also allowing for the existing dwellings to retain a suitable standard of living accommodation.

“The general design and scale of the dwelling would be in keeping with the character of the locality and would positively add to the housing mix in the area.

“The proposal does not present significant highway safety concerns and are considered to be capable of providing sufficient levels of off-street parking provision.”