Old market site could become bus depot

The site has not been used as a market since 2008

Wakefield’s former outdoor fruit and veg wholesale market site could be turned into a bus depot.

Plans have been submitted which include parking for a fleet of 32 coaches and minibuses on the land at Jacob's Well Lane.

The site, on the edge of the city centre, has not been used as a market since 2008 but has been the venue for the city’s annual Valentine’s Fair in recent years.

Wakefield-based firm TJs Travel has applied for permission to use the land as its new base.

The coach and minibus hire company currently operates from a depot on Leeds Road in Lofthouse, but needs to find new premises, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The business also provides bus services for local schools, as well as residential and recreational trips.

If approved, the depot would mainly be in use from 06:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday.

'Vacant and underutilised'

But permission would be required to operate 365 days a year to enable “ad hoc private hires” on evenings and weekends.

Planning officers have also been asked to allow six cabins to be put on the land to be used as offices.

The scheme includes installing a workshop for vehicle maintenance and repairs.

Parking spaces are also required for 11 staff members, plus an area for washing vehicles.

A planning statement submitted to Wakefield Council on behalf of the firm said: “The proposed development will allow a thriving existing business which serves the schools of the district to continue operating and employing their staff.

“The proposal will represent a suitable form of development on a currently vacant and underutilised site."

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