Housing estate could be built at old mine site

Kier Living has submitted plans to Wakefield Council to build a residential development on the site, next to the village’s country park and nature trails.

Jon Rukin, operations director at Kier Living, said: “The development is currently in the planning phase and if approved work will start in early autumn.

“The extension to the existing Fryston Village will include 150 homes for sale and rent, with many enjoying views of the river and adjacent woodland areas.

“We expect development of the site to last between three and four years, creating training and employment opportunities for local people.”

The development would provide a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached one to five bed homes, with car parking and gardens. It would be accessed off Wheldon Road.

Coun Les Shaw (Airedale and Ferry Fryston) said: “Some of the initial plans for the site were for a lot more houses, which would have changed the whole outlook of the village. Constructing 150 homes is just about right to maintain that village identity.

“We need houses in Castleford like we do everywhere else and I think this will be a good development for Castleford, for Airedale and for Fryston village itself.”

Fryston Colliery opened in the 1870s in the grounds of Fryston Hall and the village was built in the 1880s to house the miners. After the pit’s closure in 1985, the colliery buildings were demolished.

The site was reclaimed and earmarked for development as part of the Castleford Growth Delivery Plan, which will see more than £40m worth of investment pumped into the town.

Coun Denise Jeffery, the council’s cabinet member for economic growth and skills, said of the planned development: “This is another step forward in our plans to regenerate Castleford which will be a massive boost for residents, visitors and businesses.”