Plans for new flats in Featherstone's Millennium House rejected
Plans to convert former offices in Featherstone into flats have been refused after more than 70 residents and councillors objected to the scheme.
Wakefield Council rejected proposals to build 13 apartments at Millennium House over concerns future residents would be impacted by noise from trains and a business next to the building.
Objectors also claimed the new homes would not have enough “adequate natural light.”
The vacant site, next to the town’s railway station and level crossing on Station Lane, was previously occupied by an organisation specialising in providing support services for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
A total of 73 objections were submitted to the local authority after the proposals were submitted in September.
One resident said: “A particular concern is the site’s close proximity to the railway station and level crossing on Station Lane.
“The crossing regularly results in traffic queues and delays, with vehicles often backing up along Station Lane during peak periods.
“The introduction of additional residential traffic, deliveries, visitors and associated vehicle movements would add further pressure to an already constrained section of the highway network.”
Another objector said: “The property would be better utilised for community projects and facilities, which was our understanding of its original purpose, rather than for housing.
“We believe that a community-focused use would provide greater benefit to local residents.”
No comments supporting the scheme were submitted.
Featherstone councillors Gilly Womack, Jacob Padget and James Mulligan also raised concerns over traffic safety and the “cumulative impact on local infrastructure.”
Planning officers refused the scheme on the grounds that the application lacked enough detail to address noise and lighting concerns.
A report said: “The applicant has failed to submit sufficient information in the form of a noise impact assessment to demonstrate that noise associated with the adjacent commercial business would not have a detrimental impact on future occupants of the proposed apartments.
“The applicant has failed to submit sufficient information in the form of a lighting assessment to demonstrate that all of the apartments would benefit from natural light in all of the habitable rooms.”