Legal challenge launched into approval of plans to build 260 homes

CAMPAIGNERS HAVE launched a legal challenge against Wakefield council’s decision to approve plans for 260 new homes to be built near the M1.

The Save Lupset Greenfields group are refusing to accept the prospect of development on land behind Snapethorpe Primary School, off Milton Road.

The group, which claims information about pollution levels in the area were ignored by planning officers and councillors, are seeking a judicial review of the case.

The council’s planning committee were evenly split over Keepmoat Homes’ proposals, with approval granted on the deciding vote of chair Coun Sandra Pickin. Group spokesman Martin Snowdon said that the move was a “last resort” but that he was confident it would be successful.

He said: “We know that all the facts that were put forward about pollution levels have been bypassed. The planning advisers should never have recommended approval in the first place.

“If we are successful there is no doubt this will save lives.

Mr Snowdon added: “For young children the pollution will fill up their lungs in the space of a few months.

“In our view, there are more appropriate places in Wakefield to build houses.”

Wakefield Council were contacted but declined to comment.