Derelict '˜eyesore' could become 65 homes

Gleeson Homes has submitted a planning application to Wakefield Council to build the homes off School Street in Upton.

The site, formerly occupied by council housing, has been vacant for many years and is described by some as an ‘eyesore’.

Martyn Ward, councillor for Ackworth, North Elmsall and Upton said: “More building in Upton is bound to be unpopular because there is already a strain on services such as roads and schools.

“Having said that, that area of the village has been an eyesore for some time and currently it is an area where we get a lot of fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and youths drinking.

“I think in the long term, it can only be a good thing that some thing is happening with the site and I hope the development will tidy the area up.

“The site has been derelict for the best part of 20 years and it has got to be a positive to see it developed and not just remain as a place for people to go and cause a nuisance.”

In leaflets distributed to people living in the area, Gleeson said it would give “priority employment” to residents close to the site when recruiting for construction.

And it said it would also offer apprenticeships to youngsters wanting to learn a trade.

A company spokeswoman said: “We look forward to obtaining approval to transform this piece of vacant land, which is a local eyesore and attracts anti-social behaviour, into a development of 65 brand new two, three, and four bedroom homes which will be priced to suit local people.

“Throughout the development our Community Matters programme will help the wider Upton community through the employment of local people, sponsorship of junior sports teams and our apprenticeship scheme.

“We would like to hear from local young people who are interested in joining the scheme and training to become a bricklayer or joiner”.