With plans for 700 new homes in Wakefield being unveiled, the council want the input of locals to help develop the plans further.
The next phase of the plan to deliver new homes for first-time buyers, families and elderly people looks set to produce 150 homes, as well as a new retirement village that overlooks the river. With a care home and apartments available, it aims to give older residents the chance to downsize to properties more suited to their needs as they get older.
Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for regeneration, Councillor Darren Byford, said:
“New homes are needed in Wakefield and our proposals provide an opportunity to respond to this need on a site that has already been identified as suitable for development. However, the plans aren’t just about new homes. The proposals include a range of other uses, such as a local centre offering shops, public open space and an area for events that could be used and enjoyed by the wider community.
The plans will also deliver wider benefits for existing residents, such as temporary new jobs during construction, including opportunities for apprenticeships, and knock-on benefits for local businesses, with additional expenditure as residents move into the area.
We now want to know what the people of Wakefield think about the initial plans. We’ve arranged a two-day public exhibition with members of the development team to explain the plans, answer questions and listen to feedback. We hope residents will be able to attend and let us know their views on the plans, in the right location and in the right way.”
Alongside the development of the houses and the retirement village, new public spaces will be delivered. These will allow people to walk, relax and play in an “attractive park setting” that includes a children’s play area, pocket and/or a community garden. Sporting and summer events will also be catered to by providing space for them as well.
As well as this addition of open spaces, existing hedgerows and trees will be retained where possible in order to protect biodiversity and to create new habitats.
