Fury over plans to build 241 homes

Barratt Homes is looking to develop the land off Hardwick Road, adjoining the recently-built Oaklands estate, with huge numbers of two, three and four bedroom properties.

It has led to opposition from residents and councillors alike, who say the infrastructure of the town is simply not suitable.

Many on the Oaklands estate also say they were not informed of a consultation event earlier this month up until days before.

Barratt was asked to confirm whether this was an administrative error, but did not respond before the Express went to print.

Paul Newby, of Oaklands’ Sorrel Mews, said: “It’s like they didn’t want to tell people. We knew the land was a potential future site, but when we asked about this Barratt told us it was unlikely. There is a feeling of anger, the residents are opposing this on this estate and others.

“If they put in a planning application, they will be met with severe opposition to this. We’re not going to take this lying down.”

Residents say the development would lead to extra demand on school and doctors’ places, while a road through the estate linking up Hardwick Road and Ackworth Road is also proposed, with fears it would simply be used as a ‘rat run’’.

Pontefract’s Coun Celia Loughran said: “We do not want this, we know we need homes but there’s already been a large number of homes put there.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re careful with what is being built. “There’s a genuine feeling about how we will be able to service all the people that come in.”

Anyone wishing to get involved with the campaign should email [email protected]

Barratt says it is now reviewing the consultation feedback and is taking advice from Wakefield Council before submitting a planning application.