Flood concerns over large housing development

The homes would be built on farmland between Hardwick Road and Ackworth Road

Concerns have been raised about potential flood risks if more than 200 homes are built on a site near Pontefract.

Wakefield Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve the proposals for farmland to the south of the town.

The authority has received 187 objections to the 210-home scheme on the 18.5 acre site between Hardwick Road and Ackworth Road.

Planning officers said the flood risk was "low" but a "precautionary approach" to the development was needed.

George Ayre, councillor for Pontefract South ward, was one of those opposed to the plans.

He 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", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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

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

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

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.

“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," it said.

The officer said the plans complied with local and national planning policies.

Councillors will decide on the development at a meeting later.

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