Backlash over land put up for sale for 300 new homes

300 homes could be built in Lupset. Picture supplied by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Wakefield Council is inviting companies to build 300 homes on a 20-acre site off Milton Road.

People living nearby claim they have not been consulted about the impact of the new homes, and fear the affect on traffic on already busy roads.

The site is in Wakefield Council’s Local Development Framework (LDF), a blueprint for where future homes will be built.

But Gary Sargent, of nearby Airedale Heights, said the original LDF site had been extended.

He said: “A lot of people I’ve spoken to didn’t seem to be aware of it at all. A lot of people are against it for various reasons.”

Wakefield Council said people’s views were considered by an independent planning inspector who decided the site was suitable for housing.

People would also be able to object once the buyer had submitted a planning application.

Sarah Pearson, service director for economic growth and housing, said: “A large proportion of the Milton Road, site in Snapethorpe was put forward as a proposed area for housing as part of the public consultation for the Local Development Plan (LPD).

“The site is for sale on the open market. Once it has been sold it will be for the purchaser to submit planning applications.”

Property company CRBE Leeds is marketing the site on behalf of the council.

It’s director Mike Gorman added: “This extensive site occupies a strategic position close to local amenities and schools and has the potential to deliver much-needed new residential accommodation to this area of Wakefield.”