Planning for Newmarket

Post on the nut-job forum. They seem to be getting excited again.

From Methley & Mickletown Residents Association
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Newmarket: Council withdraws £2m finance

The future of the proposed community stadium at Stanley has been dealt a blow following news that Wakefield Council has withdrawn the promise of a £2m contribution to the scheme. A further £2m financial deal has also been withdrawn from a further stadium scheme which was to be built for Castleford Tigers at Glasshoughton.

In a new twist, both Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Wildcats have now been told to share a stadium by Council bosses – something which was suggested by campaigners fighting to save the 240 acre Green Belt site at Stanley and ignored by planners, two Government Inspectors and Secretary of State Eric Pickles, who approved the scheme. Wakefield Wildcats publicly refused to share any stadium with their Castleford rivals, so it is unclear where any co-operation might be forthcoming.

Overall finance was supposed to be provided by the building of huge distribution and other warehousing on the site and permission to build on the Green Belt was only given because the stadium was considered “exceptional circumstances”. If the stadium plan falls by the wayside, questions must be asked whether the rest of the development is legal and what action can be expected from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Further questions about the financial situation of developer Yorkcourt have also become apparent. Companies House has confirmed that Yorkcourt failed to submit its accounts in December, and a three month deadline has been set. If the company fails to produce its accounts by the deadline, it could face being closed down by HMRC.

Inspector approves footpath on Newmarket site
Development prospects on the northern section of the site between Newmarket Lane and the M62 have also been complicated by the successful challenge of campaigner Colin Seymour to ensure the future of an historic right of way which almost cuts the site in two. Evidence submitted by Mr Seymour and challenged by Wakefield Council and the developer, was upheld by Inspector Susan Doran. Planning approval on this part of the site was given for a hotel and fast food outlet, as well as a number of office units.
HS2 Rail Link: MP meets Secretary of State for Transport
MP Alec Shelbrooke has provided Methley News with details of a meeting he held with Secretary of State Patrick McLoughlin on the subject of the controversial high-speed rail link which is creating problems for some householders and businesses in the area. He told the Secretary of State that so far, the Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS), which is being set up to compensate those worst affected, is proving inadequate. An initial consultation on this scheme is being held now to decide the qualifying criteria for compensation. Anybody wishing to submit comments on the scheme can do so online at www.hs2.org.uk. The deadline is 29 April 2013.

Alec also discussed the possibility of re-routing the line further east beyond Pontefract to avoid serious consequences for residents and businesses in Methley, Garforth, Swillington and Woodlesford. He told Methley News that “ the Secretary of State seemed open to the idea that the route might be redrawn”.

Neighbourhood Plan for Methley?
Residents attending the Association’s March meeting were given a presentation from the Oulton & Woodlesford Neighbourhood Plan (OWNP). Questions were raised as to the boundary around the Clumpcliffe area as OWNP have drawn up a proposed boundary which closely follows the proposed HS2 route and includes Clumpcliffe in their area. The question has now arisen as to whether Methley & Mickletown wish to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan of their own. This asks local people how they view the future of their area over the next 20-30 years and gives some influence over future development. Plans are now under way to write to every household in the village to ask if they support such a move. Leeds City Council are keen to promote Neighbourhood Plans and the Association has already identified the need to monitor the intentions of developers, given negative experiences with one developer and a successful objection to unwanted house building in the centre of the village.