Proposals outlined for 700 homes along with shops and public spaces

Proposals outlined for 700 homes along with shops and public spacesWakefield Council has unveiled plans for 700 new homes for first-time buyers, families and elderly people at the City Fields site.This new phase should deliver around 150 affordable homes plus a new retirement village overlooking the river. It will feature a care home and apartments to allow older people to downsize.New public open spaces will be provided, allowing people to walk, relax in an attractive park setting. Space will also be available for occasions such as fêtes and sporting events.Trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible and the community woodland planted on the Parkhill site will remain untouched by the housing development.Councillor Darren Byford, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for regeneration, 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 local expenditure as residents move to the area.”The site was allocated back in 2012 to deliver new homes and community facilities. A Masterplan for City Fields was approved by the council in 2017 and plans for the next phase of development are now being prepared.In preparation for submitting a planning application, the council is seeking public feedback about the proposals.People can have their say by visiting cityfieldsconsultation.co.uk but are advised to submit comments no later than 20 July 2022.