Plans to create an eco-friendly housing development and two new retail units on former industrial land in Knottingley have been welcomed by Wakefield Council.
The proposed scheme would see 175 energy efficient new homes built on a former quarry on cleaned up land that would also be redeveloped to include a large ecological area to encourage wildlife, with ponds to support eco diversity.
By using solar panels to generate electricity the scheme promises that homes would have a 20 per cent lower level of carbon emissions.
Others benefits include attracting investment and supporting regeneration in and around Knottingley as outlined in the new Knottingley & Ferrybridge masterplan.
The development, to be known as Jackson’s Landing after the former glass factory that was based there, will provide a large range of family homes.
The project is being supported by the Brownfield Housing Fund initiative and plans are being progressed through West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which has recently agreed for the project to move forward to the business case stage.
Cllr Darren Byford, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Property, said: “We welcome this new initiative that would allow new energy efficient homes to be developed in Knottingley as this will support regeneration that will benefit residents, with the prospect of new jobs, and benefit both the local and wider district economy.”
The development is by Castleford-based Noble Homes and Chris Vause, Technical Manager, said: “As we celebrate our 60th year, we plan to provide 175 new homes in Knottingley and would like to thank the West Yorkshire Combined Authority for their assistance through the Brownfield Housing Fund process.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Chair of West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Place, Regeneration and Planning Committee, said: “This is great example of how the brownfield housing fund can support the development of eco-friendly projects.
“This is vitally important as we work together to tackle the climate emergency and provide more homes for a range of people. Both are part of the Mayor’s pledges to West Yorkshire.
“Work on Jackson’s Landing is likely to begin next year, and the development will also support the regeneration of the Knottingley and Ferrybridge area.”
