Flood risk concerns raised over plan to build 210 homes in Pontefract

Wakefield Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve proposals to build 210 homes on farmland to the south of the town.

The authority has received 187 objections to the scheme to build a range of properties across a 7.5 hectare site between Hardwick Road and Ackworth Road.

George Ayre, councillor for Pontefract south ward, is among those opposed to the plans.

Coun Ayre said properties at a similar development built close to the site in recent years were “prone to flooding”, with some houses left “4ft deep in water.”

Other objectors said the local road network is already struggling to cope with traffic and called for a new bypass to be built before more housing developments are allowed in the area.

Residents also raised concerns that Pontefract is being “turned into a dormitory town for surrounding cities.”

Further comments were made over over a loss of wildlife and a “lack of local amenities to support a sustainable community.”

One comment of support has been received from a resident who said there was a clear need for new housing in the area.

Two construction firms, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, would build the properties if the plan is approved.

Designs for the site feature 146 two, three and four-bedroom detached and semi-detached properties plus two bungalows with wheelchair access.

A further 63 terraced homes are designated for “affordable housing”.

A new road through the site with a new access from Ackworth Road is also planned.

An officer’s report said a flood risk assessment was carried out at the site in 2022.

It states: “The flood risk from the majority of sources is considered to be low, however, there is a need for a precautionary approach to development close to the existing watercourse on the southern site boundary.”

The officer said the plans complied with local and national planning policies, adding: “The detailed design and layout of the scheme would result in a high standard of housing environment by virtue of the proposed layout, scale, design and landscaping.”

Councillors will decide on the development at a meeting on Thursday (October 17).