Pontefract kids' playground plans to be redrawn after anti-social behaviour and traffic objections

Wakefield Council has withdrawn plans to build a new children’s playground in Pontefract following objections from local residents.

People living close to the proposed site at Barracks Playing Fields raised concerns over possible increases in noise, anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion.

Sport England also objected as plans appeared to show the new facility would be located on a football pitch.

Lou Redpath, the council’s service director for environmental services, said: “We have decided to withdraw the current application while we continue to work with ward members and the local community to identify a suitable location for the play area.”

The facility is one of nine earmarked to be built across the Wakefield Council district as part of a £4m investment into its country parks and play areas for 2026.

In February, the council’s then Labour administration said the upgrade would provide communities with more inclusive, fun spaces to enjoy.

The new playgrounds are also set to includes features for youngsters with restricted mobility, sensory impairment and neuro-developmental conditions.

Eleven people objected to the council’s planning application after it was submitted earlier this year and no comments of support were received.

One resident said: “The addition of a playground is likely to attract a higher volume of visitors, many of whom will arrive by car.

“This will inevitably increase traffic flow, create further parking pressure and exacerbate existing safety concerns for both pedestrians and residents.

“While I appreciate the importance of providing recreational spaces for children, this particular location does not appear suitable.

“I would urge the planning department to consider locating the playground to the opposite side of the field.”

Another objector said: “The area currently being proposed would be more difficult to ensure the safety of children as there is direct access to Mill Hill Lane, which has a problem with being used as a rat run.”

A third opponent of the scheme said: “Residents living near the proposed site already experience ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour.

“Groups of children and young people regularly congregate around the area, including near the electricity substation, resulting in noise disturbance and behaviour that causes concern for nearby households.”

Sport England commented: “The proposed location of the children’s play area is on part of a grass playing field that has been historically marked out as a football pitch.

“The proposal does not indicate that the area to be lost would be replaced and since the proposal would not be for sporting development, Sport England does not consider that the proposal would meet policy exception.”