Inquiry into rejected plans for 68 new homes

Developer Miller Homes wanted to build the new homes and an access road on land close to Pinderfields and Fieldhead Hospital.

The road would have cut through a public footpath, which runs between the rear of houses on Hatfield View and agricultural land off Ouchthorpe Lane.

Objectors claimed the development would have ruined the last piece of green belt land in the WF1 postcode area.

And Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee refused the proposals at a meeting in September.

It was the second time the council had rejected plans to build homes on the site by the developer.

A spokesperson for Miller Homes said: “We can confirm there will be a public inquiry starting tomorrow regarding our planning application for a proposed development at Newton Hill in Wakefield.

“We lodged an appeal earlier this year after the proposed development was refused by the council against the officer’s recommendation and despite the fact the site has already been allocated by Wakefield MDC for housing.

“We believe our plans, which have been well considered, will help reduce the current shortfall of housing within the Wakefield area.

“Following the inquiry, which we expect will last around four days, we will await the outcome of the planning inspectorate’s report in due course.”

The inquiry will take place in the Kingswood Suite at Wakefield Town Hall at 10am on Tuesday.