Request to Call in Planning Applicatio
FOR INFORMATION
I am writing to you as case officer for Planning Application reference 13/02705/OUT, Land at Wakefield Road, Pontefract WF8 4HW.
(Outline Application for 24 number Dwellings (access only) together with demolition of existing dwelling and removal of commercial uses.)
I understand that you are at a stage where you are proposing to address the application using delegated powers.
May I ask that should you have sufficient information and are minded to refuse the application that you proceed under those delegated powers, in the event however that you are minded to approve the application for access, that you instead put that forward for scheduling for the Planning Committee to decide the application, so that interested parties can make representations to the Committee.
I realise that the application is an OUTline one to secure highway access for a potential development on Priory Wood and other more detailed matters would then be decided at a FULL application should this initial application be successful.
Focussing on the application to hand, whilst the applicant has put forward a highway study, I do not believe that this reflects the true situation and the real challenges that will come from allowing a further highway access so close to the existing junction which is a critical choke point for access to Pontefract and is identified as an AQMA due to existing traffic and pollution levels.
We already accept the seriousness of standing traffic at this point by use of traffic control and parking restrictions, further the Planning and Highways Committee accepted the seriousness of the existing traffic situation by linking a condition to the Ackworth Road development to fund much needed junction improvements on Wakefield Road, Mill Hill, Southgate and Jubilee Way to mitigate flows and to reduce pollution levels. Those funds are in place and the long awaited work is, according to officers due to start at some point early in 2014.
Again whilst acknowledging that this is an OUTline application for access, the applicants technical experts have provided a number of reports on other aspects that would benefit from close scrutiny.
Priory Wood is on a hillside at the at the rear of existing domestic properties on Mill Hill and Wakefield Road and on the edge of the Friarswood Valley Gardens and Button Park conservation area. It is situated within a five minute walk of Pontefract Town Centre and contains a number of trees protected by order, Priory Wood itself is part of the positive side of the air quality balance for the residents of surrounding properties. There are other items of habitat and environment that will be impacted should the access be granted and should significant numbers of properties be allowed this would further lead to losses of amenity and quality of life for existing residents and future ones alike.
Whilst it is true to say that the Priory itself and outbuildings damaged and made uninhabitable by fires in recent years, would benefit from remediation or removal, replacement with 24 houses whilst potentially economically viable, is unlikely to enhance the traffic flows and the potential overlooking, loss of woodland environment and amenity to the residents of Mill Hill and Wakefield Road, whilst it may cause further disruption and delay to the planned junction improvements.
Should you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards
Cllr Geoff Walsh
Councillor - Pontefract South
Councillor - Pontefract South
Mob 07973 747342
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