Community says ‘no’ to Flanshaw industrial site which could create 300 jobs

Newspaper: Wakefield Express.
Story: Flanshaw residents are going to oppose plans to build an industrial estate on the former site of Kepax abattior.
Picture shows residents by the fence at the end of Laithes Chase, Flanshaw, which forms the boundry line to the land that has been earmarked for the new industrial estate.
Photo date: 23/07/15
Picture Ref: AB145a0715 — Newspaper: Wakefield Express. Story: Flanshaw residents are going to oppose plans to build an industrial estate on the former site of Kepax abattior. Picture shows residents by the fence at the end of Laithes Chase, Flanshaw, which forms the boundry line to the land that has been earmarked for the new industrial estate. Photo date: 23/07/15 Picture Ref: AB145a0715

Wakefield North ward councillors and members of community have written to Wakefield Council to raise concerns about developer Bilfinger GVA’s proposal to convert 18,500sqm of Flanshaw Way land into industrial use.

Michelle Walker, 59, of nearby Laithes Chase said: “I can see trees, hedges and open sky as I walk up the street but my concern is these industrial units will tower over the tops of our houses, because they are planned for a piece of higher level land. They are going to be a total eyesore.”

In a letter to case officer John Holmes, Mary Creagh said she also had concerns over the size and location of the industrial units.

Other concerns by the 42 objectors include noise, pollution, residential impact and increased traffic.

Meat processing giant Kepak UK has a former abbatoir on the site, but the facility closed last February in need of refurbishment. Planner David Sweeting said Kepak now wants to get outline planning permission for the industrial units, and then sell the land to businesses.

Mr Sweeting said: “The site forms part of the Flanshaw Way employment zone and therefore is deemed as an acceptable location for employment use by the local authority. Although the precise mix of industrial use is yet to be determined we are expecting the site to generate in the region of 350 jobs which would have large benefits to the local economy.”

Submissions from planning consultees have shown the site plans to be acceptable, with the attachment of conditions to minimise the impact on nearby residents.