Villagers creating own plan to stop new housing developments

A group of villagers are creating their own plan for their community as they try to stave off plans for new houses in the area.
There's a worry over the prospect of development on a number of sites, including on land off Kirkhamgate and Jerry Clay Lane.There's a worry over the prospect of development on a number of sites, including on land off Kirkhamgate and Jerry Clay Lane.
There's a worry over the prospect of development on a number of sites, including on land off Kirkhamgate and Jerry Clay Lane.

Residents in Wrenthorpe are worried about the prospect of development on a number of sites, including on land off Kirkhamgate and Jerry Clay Lane.

Both places have been mooted for housebuilding, as Wakefield Council reviews its Local Development Plan (LDP). The plan earmarks sites all over the district which could be used for new homes over the next couple of decades.

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A recent public meeting about the issue packed out Wrenthorpe Village Hall, with objectors saying local roads and facilities won’t be able to cope with extra people.

Now the public is being invited to contribute to residents’ own vision for Wrenthorpe, on Sunday afternoon.

The development of a Neighbourhood Plan allows people to have their say on where new homes could be built and ask for specific sites to be protected.

It has to be taken into account by the council’s planning committee when future applications are being considered.

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A statement by Save Wrenthorpe Village on Facebook said: “Following the overwhelming attendance at the community meetings in the Village Hall about the council’s potential proposals for new housing developments it was suggested that the community could consider developing a neighbourhood plan.

“This would help as it would define what is important to the community and once passed would be considered in future planning proposals and developments.

“Neighbourhood Planning needs to follow a rigid process which is community led. Therefore an information and consultation drop in session is being held on Sunday July 29 between 1pm and 5pm where residents can come and find out more about neighbourhood plans and how this can help with influencing the council’s plans and processes.

“It is also an opportunity to tell us what matters to you in Wrenthorpe. Come and have your say.”

The council has said it will listen to feedback and that the final draft of their LDP will be subject to public consultation.