Development approved despite wildlife concerns
Councillors in Wakefield approved a second phase of a major housing development on local authority land at City Fields
At a glance
Plans to build hundreds of new homes in Wakefield are approved
Objections were raised because of environmental concerns
The council's planning report said it was "sustainable development"
- Published
Plans for 250 homes have been approved despite locals "strongly objecting".
The development at City Fields, Wakefield attracted criticism over the "loss of nature and space to walk in".
A new community of more than 2,500 homes is expected to be created across a 375-hectare site to the east of the city centre.
The council's planning report states: "The proposal is considered to constitute sustainable development.”
Kathryn Pybus said the new development was "absolutely heartbreaking"
Objecting to the plans, Kathryn Pybus, who lives at Stanley Ferry boat site said: "Local councils have a duty to preserve and enhance biodiversity if possible. Biodiversity at City Fields has not been preserved, let alone enhanced."
Developers wanting to take on the project will have to pay a fee of £197,000 to compensate for loss of habitats and to encourage biodiversity.
The plan was approved by five votes to four. Committee chair Darren Byford used his casting vote in favour of the new homes.
The council's planning report stated: “The proposal would ensure that, where possible, existing habitat and trees are retained, and new areas of landscaping would be provided.”
It also added: “The proposal is considered to constitute sustainable development.”
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- Published22 June 2023
