Plans for 116 new homes are part of Merchant Gate masterplan

Developer Strata Homes will build the houses at the former Balne Lane car park, close to Wakefield Westgate railway station.

The properties will be a mix of 100 three-storey two-bed homes and 16 two-bed apartments.

The development is part of the wider Merchant Gate regeneration masterplan, which has included the new railway station, offices and retail, leisure and food outlets.

Four objections were received in relation to the proposal.

Wakefield Civic Society, councillors Margaret Isherwood and Tracey Austin and a local resident raised concerns about access to the site from Balne Lane via an existing junction.

They said the development could lead to increased traffic and pollution.

But Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee approved the application at a meeting yesterday.

A report to the meeting said: “The proposed dwellings have been designed to provide a high standard of housing for future residents and also to minimise the impact of the development on the surrounding area.”

The houses will come with 116 car parking spaces and 116 cycle spaces.