Plans to build 300 new homes put on hold

Developer Taylor Wimpey wants to build the properties on land off Benson Lane.

It claims 30 per cent of the detached, semi-detached and terraced homes, would be affordable properties.

But the council received 91 letters of objection and two petitions signed by a total of 191 people.

Wakefield Council’s planning and highways committee deferred the application and asked for clarification on several highway and access issues.

Hundreds of people objected to the plans claiming the development could create seven years of noise, dirt and disturbance and there is a lack of demand for new properties near social housing.

A council report said Normanton councillor David Dagger was among those who objected to the plans.

It said: “Coun Dagger has raised concerns regarding vehicle access along Benson Lane due to severe traffic problems at certain times of the day.”

The application received no letters of support but a letter for comment from Normanton Town Council.

The report said: “Members of the town council support the proposal to build 300 homes but they have serious concerns about access from Benson Lane.

“The road is too narrow for the increased traffic flow and there are existing problems due to parked cars, which recently prevented an emergency vehicle gaining access.”

The town council also raised concerns about traffic issues at the junction of Benson Lane and Castleford Road and it said that an alternative access into the site should be considered.

If the plans are approved, the developer would donate £529,958 to Normanton Common Primary Academy and £98,685 to the Parks and Public Realm, which would improve Haw Hill Park.