Plans approved to build new Wakefield industrial estate that could create almost 1,000 jobs

Plans have been approved to build a new industrial estate in Normanton that could create almost 1,000 jobs.

Council officers gave the go-ahead to an outline planning application for the development on farmland opposite Wakefield District Police Headquarters on Havertop Lane.

The site was removed from the green belt and allocated for employment use when the council adopted a new Local Plan in 2024.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of Commercial Development Projects Ltd said the scheme would generate 992 full-time equivalent jobs when completed.

The document said: “In addition to this, construction jobs will be generated and there will be a commitment to use local suppliers where possible, creating a local supply chain and benefiting the wider local economy.”

Initial plans indicate up to 11 units and 525 car parking spaces could be built on the site, which the applicant said would address a “severe” local shortage of employment premises in the 20,000 to 60,000 sq ft size range.

The report said: “This application seeks to meet that requirement in the market and is aimed primarily at meeting ongoing locally arising need.

“This is necessary for the continued functioning of the market.

“Without such provision, local and sub-regional occupiers will continue to be frustrated and either curtail their economic activity to suit their premises or move out of area to find suitable accommodation.”

More detailed applications for the site will need to be submitted to the council at a later date.

The council received 32 objections to the proposals, with residents raising concerns over a loss of wildlife habitats.

Others said the development was not required because there were vacant employment sites nearby.

It was also claimed the scheme would add to traffic congestion problems in the area.

One objector said: “There are at least 20 vacant industrial buildings in the adjacent industrial park. There is no business need for this development.

“You are destroying valuable habitats for wildlife, there are breeding barn owls in the area, deer, hares and foxes.

“There is also obstructing a public right of way. These are disappearing from our county and developments like this are the cause.”

No comments were submitted in favour of the application.

A planning officer’s report said just over £507,000 was required as part of a Section 106 legal agreement, which developers must to pay to help fund local infrastructure.

The amount is expected to be used to fund sustainable transport in the area as well as biodiversity net gain.

The report said: “The design and layout of the scheme has the potential to result in a good standard of employment provision.

“In conclusion, the proposed development is acceptable in principle and, subject to the imposition of planning conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement, there are no technical reasons to withhold planning permission.”