New homes proposed for part of old coal mine site

Tony GardnerLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageGoogle A clump of grassed land on a street corner. It is surrounded by a small wooden perimeter fence and has trees in the middle. Double yellow lines run round the edge of the road.Google
A proposed 20 homes will be built on the slice of land, if the plans are approved

Plans have been submitted to build 20 new homes on the site of a former coal mine in Pontefract.

Developers Harron Homes have applied to Wakefield Council for permission to construct a range of properties on a parcel of land off De Lacy Way.

The site falls within land referred to as the 'Monkhill Triangle', which sits on the south-eastern tip of the old Prince of Wales Colliery.

The mine was the UK's oldest working coal pit when it shut in 2002, with 450 jobs lost as a result.

A mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes has been proposed for the site, with access to the properties from De Lacy Way and Skinner Lane.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: "The Prince of Wales Colliery site has been subject to an abundance of development in recent years, which largely comprises residential development, in addition to sports facilities and a community centre.

"The proposed development offers a distinct opportunity to redevelop this brownfield land within the settlement boundary in a comprehensive and attractive manner."

News imageGetty Images Five miners, all carrying lamps walk towards the camera in dark overalls. They are all wearing hats. They are pictured in 1944.Getty Images
At the peak of its activity, the Prince of Wales Colliery employed around 2,000 miners

To the north of he site is a vacant field which is currently being considered for residential development under an outline application, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service .

The document added: "Our intention is to deliver a secure and sustainable development of modern family homes in a safe, green and welcoming environment."

The council is expected to make a decision on the application in due course.

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