'This green land kept us sane during lockdown': More than 150 objections to Newton Hill homes plan

Developer Taylor Wimpey's application to put up 89 new homes off Leeds Road in Newton Hill is likely to be either approved or rejected by local councillors next week.

The plans would involve demolishing a property valued at just under £300,000 to create access to the new estate.

But a total of 156 people have criticised the idea, with many citing the loss of green space and the impact on traffic.

Commenting on the council's online planning portal, one neighbour said: "Building homes on this land will prevent me from walking here every morning with my two children and dogs.

"I fear that this piece of green land is the only thing that has kept us sane during lockdown and my extended leave of furlough. The kids simply love flying their kites up here and they will be heartbroken if they are unable to do so in the future."

Another resident added: "There has been a large influx of new housing in the Wakefield area over recent years, and existing services (have) not been expanded enough to cover these new properties."

Eleven letters have been put forward backing the application, which was originally for 91 new homes before being slightly scaled down. Supporters claim it will benefit the area and address a lack of affordable housing.

Despite many people expressing concerns about traffic, a report on the application said the council had received information "demonstrating the local highway network is capable" of coping with the extra vehicles.

The report also said that Taylor Wimpey would be expected to pay around £650,000 towards improving local infrastructure and help services cope with the development.

The council's planning committee will discuss the application next Thursday. The local authority's officers have recommended it be approved.

Local Democracy Reporting Service