Housing and health centre plans withdrawn

Plans to build new homes and health facilities have been withdrawn due to residents' concerns over traffic and the impact on wildlife.

More than 130 people living in Notton, near Wakefield, objected to the development of 55 homes, citing flood risks and a lack of local school places.

Documents described the plans as a "once in a generation opportunity" for the village.

Wakefield Civic Society also opposed the scheme due to properties "encroaching" on the green belt.

Plans were submitted to Wakefield Council in December to build a range of properties and a "community hub" to house a GP surgery, dental practice and pharmacy on a 5.5-acre site off Bleakley Avenue.

A planning statement said: "This provision responds directly to local concerns about stretched services and will bring essential healthcare facilities within easy walking distance.

"The proposals are carefully designed to deliver a balanced and inclusive housing mix, providing one to four-bedroom dwellings that meet the needs of all parts of the community.

"This includes affordable homes for local families, retirement bungalows for older residents, starter apartments for first-time buyers, and larger executive homes that allow households to grow without leaving the area.

"The landowner's father and grandfather helped deliver the original homes here in the mid-20th Century and this scheme proudly continues that tradition.

"It is a development born out of a local family legacy, offering the opportunity to modernise housing while strengthening the services and amenities that the whole community relies upon."

Part of the site is designated as green belt land but the document said the site should be redefined as "grey belt".

The grey belt concept was introduced by the government as part of an overhaul of the planning system designed to free up some green belt areas for appropriate development.

An objection by the civic society said: "The developer refers to the site as grey belt but, as far as we are aware, the council has not identified the site as such.

"There are other concerns associated with the proposal, not least access, impact on biodiversity and capacity of the local sewer network."

One resident opposed to the scheme said: "If a doctor's surgery is part of the plan, this is many more journeys down a small rural road network."

Another opponent added: "This is green belt land and, once lost, can never be replaced.

"The area is home to many species of wildlife, in particular birds of prey."

The application was withdrawn on 3 March.

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