Affordable homes scheme 'could lower area's status', say residents

Wakefield District Housing is proposing the development on the land at Sowgate Lane at a cost of £6.4 million.

Working with Caddick Construction, they are hoping to construct a combination of two and three bedroom properties.

Sue Young, WDH’s Executive Director of Investment, said: “As a business we are always looking for opportunities to provide high-quality homes within the local area, both for affordable rent and sale with shared ownership.

This scheme will enhance the Knottingley area, providing more families and professionals with great places to live."

Of the 43 homes proposed, 30 would come under affordable rent, with the remainder for sale under a shared ownership with Wakefield District Housing.

Although planning permission is yet to be granted, it is hoped that work will begin on site in around 12 weeks time. It is expected to take around 18 months to complete.

Despite this, the plans have attracted criticism.

To date, eight objections have been lodged, most highlighting concerns about the number of proposed homes and the affordable rent plan.

One wrote: "This will obviously lower the status of the area. All houses on this street are privately owned and maintained to a high standard."

Another said: "The last thing we need is 30 rented properties at the end of our already troubled streets.

"We have enough trouble with people riding up and down the streets on unlicensed motorcycles dumping rubbish, taking drugs and dumping all their paraphernalia up Sowgate Lane."