Campaigners launch legal challenge over homes to be built near M1

The Save Lupset Greenfields group are refusing to accept the prospect of development on land behind Snapethorpe Primary School, off Milton Road.

The group, which claims information about pollution levels in the area were ignored by planning officers and councillors,  are seeking a judicial review of the case.

The council’s planning committee were evenly split over Keepmoat Homes’ proposals, with approval granted on the deciding vote of chair Coun Sandra Pickin.

Group spokesman Martin Snowdon said that the move was a “last resort” but that he was confident it would be successful.

He said: “We know that all the facts that were put forward about pollution levels have been bypassed.

“The planning advisers should never have recommended approval in the first place.

“If we are successful there is no doubt this will save lives.

“For young children the pollution will fill up their lungs in the space of a few months.

“In our view, there are more appropriate places in Wakefield to build houses.”

The group is also citing noise levels in its bid to overturn the decision.

Under the plans, fences will be built between the homes and the motorway as acoustic barriers, but campaigners insist they will not be long enough to mitigate the noise.

Wakefield Council were contacted but declined to comment on the matter.