Plans for 300 homes on former green belt land

The development would be located near Welbeck landfill site in Wakefield

More than 300 houses, including a number of "affordable" properties, could be built on former greenbelt land, according to newly submitted plans.

Persimmon wants to build 331 homes, ranging from bungalows to four-bedroom properties, on a 16-hectare plot in Normanton, close to the Welbeck landfill site.

If approved the development would increase the local population by up to 749 people, according to planning documents.

The documents claimed the homes would contribute to a "strong, vibrant and healthy community" by creating a well-designed and safe place to live.

All the homes will be fitted with electric vehicle chargers and air source heat pumps, said the developer.

The proposals also include building 33 affordable homes, which would be transferred to a local housing provider.

Persimmon claimed the increase in residents would not have a "significant" impact on local GP services and "extensive engagement” was carried out with the council and local community before the application was submitted.

Documents say a further application for 123 homes is expected to be submitted by another developer on adjacent land previously occupied by Normanton Brickworks.

Both areas were taken out of the greenbelt and allocated for housing when Wakefield Council began a new Local Plan in January, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

James Parkin, land director for Persimmon West Yorkshire, said: “This development will provide high quality new homes for local homebuyers, built to a high design standard in keeping with the local area."

He added: “With the need for new housing rightly high up the political agenda, we’re pleased to be working with Wakefield Council and local stakeholders to deliver homes for first-time buyers, families and downsizers alike.”

Earlier this year it was announced that Welbeck landfill site is to be transformed into a country park over the next 15 years.

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