Wakefield transport services to find a new home

The districts transport services fleet is to be moved from Wakefield to a new site in Featherstone after being granted planning permission.

Wakefield Council says the depot at Newton Bar is no longer fit for purpose so are planning to shift operations to the new-build site on Phoenix Way on the Green Lane Industrial Way.

The 1.6 hectare site has enough space for almost 180 vehicles, including 10 buses and 45 light good vehicles.

A statement from the council to supports it application reads: “The council currently operates essential fleet operations for services ranging from building maintenance, waste services, ground maintenance, transport services and vehicle maintenance which includes for MOT testing and workshops at Newton Bar and Normanton.

“The Newton Bar building has reached the end of its usable lifetime and is in a poor structural condition.”

Due to the health and safety issues associated with the condition of the building, a decision has been made to relocate these essential services.”

Glynn Humphries, Wakefield Council’s service director for environment and property, said: “The council has an ongoing process of reviewing the buildings it operates around the district.

“The proposals include carrying out improvements at Normanton depot and the eventual disposal of Newton Bar.

“There are no immediate plans for Newton Bar, once empty, the council will look to review this as the project takes shape.”