Villagers object to homes plan for 'landmark' farm

Plans to demolish a Victorian farmhouse to build nine new homes have been approved, despite objections from villagers.

Developer Milner Homes said in an application to Wakefield Council that Poplar Farm, in Kirkhamgate, thought to date back to 1886, was "no longer habitable".

A total of 23 objections were received from neighbours, who raised concerns over traffic, loss of privacy for people living nearby and fears that the rural area was being "overdeveloped".

Milner said "careful consideration" of the proposed dwelling arrangement would ensure that the development "harmonises with its surroundings".

The scheme includes building two detached properties facing Brandy Carr Road and a further seven homes with access from Hawthorn Close.

Former pig sheds, garages and a workshop are also to be removed to allow building to take place, the Local Democracy Service reports.

One objector described the building as having "a lot of history for the local area and no doubt many memories for local residents".

They commented on the council planning portal: "It's a landmark in the village and people often comment on what a beautiful property it is with true character.

"It's certainly a view you never tire of and it's part of the skyline."

Another resident said: "When I moved to Kirkhamgate I moved to a village but have become increasingly closed in.

"I am concerned that the proposed nine dwellings will cause further problems with ground subsidence to properties already built above old coal mines."

A third objector said Brandy Carr Road was already "an extremely busy and chaotic" road at school run times.

"The added volume of traffic this would bring is very worrying as I have already witnessed many scary incidents which could have had very serious outcomes."

No comments of support for the proposals were submitted.

Approving the proposals, a planning officer's report said the scheme was designed well enough to "protect the amenity of existing residents".

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