Housing plans for former chemical works site move forward

A proposed development of more than 300 homes adjacent to a former chemical works in West Yorkshire has moved forward with the submission of a planning application.Persimmon Homes West Yorkshire, supported by Lichfields, has submitted a full planning application to Wakefield Council for a residential development on land at Common Lane in Knottingley.The 30.3-acre greenfield site is located to the south of the former Oxiris Chemical Works, which has been demolished with remediation works carried out.The wider site, including the former chemical works, is allocated as a special policy area in the council’s Adopted Local Plan.Planning permission is sought for a development of 309 new homes. A mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached styles are planned, with house sizes ranging from two to four bedrooms.Areas of open and green space would be provided throughout the development. The plans also include associated landscaping and infrastructure works at Land South of Common Lane.It has been estimated that the construction phase would support the creation of 62 direct and 85 indirect full-time equivalent jobs. The development could also generate an additional total gross household expenditure of £9.1m per annum.A planning statement submitted as part of the application said the proposed development would “contribute to the building of a strong, vibrant and healthy community by fostering a well-designed and beautiful safe place to live, and that contributes to the protection and enhancement of the natural and built environment”.A request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion from the council was submitted last year year.