Housing proposal for former pit site nears approval

Wakefield Council's planning committee has been asked to approve the outline application for the properties and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant plus 50,600 sq ft of office and light industrial space.

The 61-acre site, which forms part of the M62/M1 Corridor, one of our 'Big Six' investment ready opportunities; was once a thriving colliery and coke works, but the coke works ceased operation in 1978 and the colliery followed, closing in 1986.

A report to go before councillors said: ""It is considered that the development is capable of being designed to achieve a high standard of housing for future residents and also to minimise the impact of the development on the surrounding area and residential amenities presently enjoyed by the adjacent residents.

""Full permission is sought for earthworks, ground modelling and remediation. The levels are considered to be appropriate in terms of flood risk impact and will enable the development to be achieved in a satisfactory way to achieve an appropriate layout and design across the development.""

The report also outlined that Harworth Estates would make a �2.7m contribution to education provision and �200,000 towards a 'hopper' bus in lieu of metro travel cards.

Approval is therefore recommended, subject to a section 106 agreement.