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Saved Policies &ReasonedJustification

September 2012

Wakefield Metropolitan District Unitary Development PlanFirst Alteration

www.wakefield.gov.uk

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Wakefield Metropolitan District Unitary Development Plan

First Alteration—Saved Policies September 2012

Page

Introduction ……………………………………………………………….……………...……..… 3

Volume 2

Retailing

7.1 The role of the plan ……………………………………….….……………. 7

7.2 Government policy guidance ………………………………….…..…...…. 7

7.3 Retail trends ……………………………………..………….……..……...… 7

7.4 Issues ………………………………………………………………..………. 7

7.5 Objectives ……………………………………………………….…………. 9

7.6 Policy justification ……………………………………………….…………. 9

Leisure

8.1 The role of the plan ……………………………………………...……..….. 16

8.2 Government policy guidance …………….…………..……………………. 16

8.3 Leisure trends …………………………………………………..…………… 16

8.4 Issues …………………………………………………………….………….. 18

8.5 Objectives …………………………………………………..……………….. 18

8.6 Policy justification …………………………………….…………………….. 18

Volume 3

Castleford Community Area Proposals …………………………………………….…. 25

Normanton Community Area Proposals …………………………….……...….….….. 29

Featherstone Community Area Proposals ………………………………..………..…. 31

Pontefract Community Area Proposals ………………………………………….….…. 32

Knottingley Community Area Proposals ……………………………………….…….… 37

Volume 4

Hemsworth Community Area Proposals ………………………………..…….……….. 41

Ackworth Community Area Proposals ………………………………..……………..…. 42

Elmsall Community Area Proposals ……………………………...………………..…… 43

Volume 5

North Wakefield and Stanley Community Area Proposals ……………….………...… 46

Ossett/Horbury Community Area Proposals …………………………….………….….. 47

South and East Wakefield Community Area Proposals ……………….….……….….. 48

Walton/Crofton/Sharlston Community Area Proposals …………………………….…. 49

South Wakefield Rural Community Area Proposals ……………………….………..… 50

Wakefield City Centre Community Area Proposals ………………………………….… 51

Volume 2

Policy Reasoned Justification Contents

Adopted 17th January 2003

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SAVED UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN POLICIES The 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act required the Council to replace its Unitary Development Plan

(UDP) with new development plan documents which form part of the Council’s Local Development Framework

(LDF).

The Act also made provision for all policies in existing development plans, including the Council’s UDP First

Alteration adopted January 2003, to be 'saved' until 27 September 2007. Beyond that date policies had to be further

saved by direction of the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under paragraph 1(3) of

Schedule 8 to the Act.

The Council received consent from the Secretary of State to save many of the UDP policies beyond September 2007

with a view to these policies being gradually replaced as development plan documents, such as the Core Strategy,

were adopted. Policies that were not saved ceased to form part of the statutory development plan for the Wakefield

district on 27 September 2007.

Most of the policies saved beyond that date have been replaced by new policies that now form the Council’s adopted

LDF. Eight documents have been adopted by the Council as part of the LDF :

Statement of Community Involvement (adopted 8 February 2006)

Core Strategy (adopted 15 April 2009)

Development Policies (adopted 15 April 2009)

Central Wakefield Area Action Plan (adopted 17 June 2009)

Waste (adopted 9 December 2009)

Site Specific Policies Local Plan (adopted 12 September 2012)

Policies Map (latest version adopted 12 September 2012)

Street Style Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (adopted 18 January 2012)

The Council is currently in the process of preparing two further LDF documents relating to retail and town centres

and leisure, recreation and open space which, when adopted, will replace the remaining saved policies.

Until the adoption of these documents the UDP policies within this document are still ‘saved’ and will be used in

conjunction with the policies contained in the adopted LDF documents as part of the planning process.

Volume 2 of this document outlines the policies and technical justification incorporated in the Unitary Development

Plan. It provides an explanation as to how the policies were derived in the context of Government Planning Policy

Guidance and socio-economic trends experienced in the district, which affected the planning of its development at

the time of adoption.

Volumes 3, 4 and 5 contain the site specific land use proposals associated with the policies in Volume 2.

Volume 2

Policy Reasoned Justification Introduction


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Wakefield Metropolitan District Council Unitary Development Plan

First Alteration

Part II Volume 2

Policy Reasoned

Justification

Part I Volume 1—Development Strategy and Polices

Part II Volume 3—Northern Area Proposals

Part II Volume 4—South East Area Proposals

Part II Volume 5—Western Area Proposals

Adopted 17th January 2003 Page 5 Wakefield Metropolitan District Unitary Development Plan


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Volume 2

Policy Reasoned Justification Retailing



7.1.1 Retailing is a major industry and a key, dynamic

and buoyant sector of the national economy. It is an

important component of everyone's life and is unique

in its contribution to the structure of towns and cities.

Retailing is also a major source of employment,

accounting for 11% of all employment and providing

approximately 11,900 - jobs in the District. The

location, scale and quality of shopping facilities are

important components in the development and use of

land. Consequently, the Unitary Development Plan

incorporates the Council's planning policies to foster

and control the development of new retail facilities.

7.2.1 The Government's latest planning policy

guidance on retail development is contained in the

revised editions of PPG6 (Town Centres and Retail

Development), published in June 1996, and PPG1

published in February 1997.

7.2.2 The guidance emphasises the importance of town

centres and the need to foster sustainable development.

Development Plans should promote development in

town centres, both through policies and the

identification of sites, adopting a sequential approach,

in favour of town centres, to selecting sites for

development, for retail, employment, leisure and other

key town centre uses.

7.2.3 Equally, the guidance promotes town centre

management and encourages the preparation of town

centre strategies, in partnership with the private sector.

Mixed-use development should be encouraged in town

centres, through the identification of suitable areas and

sites.

7.2.4 The guidance clarifies the key tests for assessing

retail proposals. The onus is placed on a developer to

demonstrate that, in making any proposal for out-of-

centre retail, or other town centre use development, all

potential town centre and edge-of-centre options have

been assessed thoroughly. Major out-of-town

developments have no place in the Green Belt nor are

they generally acceptable in the open countryside.

Regional Planning Guidance interprets national

guidance for Yorkshire and the Humber.

7.2.5 The policies in Section 7.6 and the Community

Area proposals have been prepared within the context

of this guidance.

7.3.1 In order to assess retail trends and shopping

patterns the Council has participated in the West

Yorkshire Retail Study (1999). This study provides the

background for the retail policies incorporated in the

Plan and are available separately from the

Regeneration Department.

7.3.2 The key retail trends to emerge and which will

continue to influence shopping patterns, retail

developments and planning policies are growth in

consumer expenditure and aspirations, increasing

customer mobility, the general trend towards larger

shops and shopping developments and convergence

between retailing and leisure activities.

7.3.3 Since 1988 the steady growth in consumer

expenditure has been shadowed by a parallel increase

in retail floorspace and continued growth in spending is

likely to require additional retail floorspace during the

period to 2006.

7.3.4 Consumer expenditure and shopping patterns will

reflect consumers growing aspirations. Consumers,

who are becoming more affluent and mobile, are

seeking and demanding a better quality and range of

shopping facilities and products, and better shopping

environment. Sophisticated "lifestyle" considerations

are increasing the emphasis on quality and creating

new markets. Despite these trends there remains a

requirement to satisfy basic shopping needs

conveniently.

7.3.5 Customer mobility, likewise, continues to

improve through the increase in car ownership. The

proportion of households owning cars increased from

54% to 62% between 1981 and 1991. Invariably, where

a car is available it is used for shopping purposes.

7.3.6 In recent years there has been a marked trend

towards larger shops to increase efficiency, achieve

economies of scale and offer a wider range of goods to

the customer. This trend has gone hand in hand with

the growth of large retail corporations. The largest

7.1 THE ROLE OF THE PLAN

7.2 GOVERNMENT POLICY GUIDANCE

7.3 RETAIL TRENDS

Retailing Volume 2

Policy Reasoned Justification

Page 8 Wakefield Metropolitan District Unitary Development Plan


companies in Britain. Increasingly many retail sectors

are dominated by a few large corporate chains, looking

to expand through extra outlets, by acquisition,

segmentation and diversification.

7.3.7 Expansion plans are increasingly based on a clear

corporate strategy and as a result store locations are

becoming more closely matched to store formats. A

particular location is sought for a particular type of

outlet and consequently a variety of sites are sought to

accommodate the range of outlets.

7.3.8 A synergy has developed between retailing and

leisure whereby the shopping trip is becoming seen as a

day out rather than simply a regular routine or chore.

Further segmentation has also occurred in the retailing

scene, with cafe, snack bar, speciality coffee shop,

restaurant and licensed retail operators responding to

the trend of people choosing to eat out more regularly

and contributing to the concept of the evening

economy in town centres.

7.3.9 From these trends is emerging a polarisation of

retailing, both in terms of size of retail units and

attractiveness of shopping centres. The growth of small

units is reflected in several innovative forms, discount

stores, convenience 'C' stores, 'metro' stores, small

specialist retailers and single theme retailers. At the

other extreme are large units aimed at economies of

scale and dominated by corporate chains, including

freestanding superstores, retail warehouses and retail

warehouse parks.

7.3.10 People being increasingly able to exercise

choice in where they go shopping has led to some

centres becoming more attractive. Generally, centres

offering a wider range and higher quality of shopping

facilities have prospered. This is reflected in the

importance attached to Wakefield and Leeds.

Similarly, large modern purpose built retail parks

catering for bulk purchases of food and a range of

comparison goods have developed in response to this

dynamic process and benefited accordingly.

7.3.11 The role of the less attractive centres,

particularly the smallest, will need to change and

evolve. In some centres general shopping facilities can

be improved, in others a more specialist retailing role

might be appropriate, whereas others may evolve

around a few key retail units with an increasing number

and variety of associated service activities.

7.4.1 A number of important issues have emerged from

the Council's appraisal of shopping patterns, retail

trends and shoppers' comments. These issues are

summarised below:

- Scope for an additional 3,500 sq. m. net retail

floorspace in Wakefield District in the period 1998

to 2006, to accommodate projected consumer

expenditure growth on comparison goods. This

figure is based on maintaining the existing market

shares of centres and excludes any additional

requirement to improve the quality and range of

provision. It reflects, in part, scope for an additional

18,900 sq. m. net retail floorspace in the main town

centres, (notably Wakefield 11,700 sq. m.,

Pontefract 4,400 sq. m. and Castleford 2,100 sq.

m.) and an oversupply of free-standing retail

warehouse provision of 16,500 sq. m. in the

District.

- Need to recognise the importance of town centres as

locations for shopping, particularly for people

without access to a car, and the importance of

retailing as the dominant economic activity

underpinning the social and economic life of town

centres. The future of town centre shopping may

depend on the decisions of a few multiple retail

businesses about where to locate, so it is important

to understand and accommodate their requirements.

- Need to reconcile a commitment to town centre

shopping facilities, as the basis for the provision of

comprehensive shopping facilities which are

accessible to and best serve the community as a

whole, with the location and site requirements of

modern retail developments and car borne shopping

- Concern about the viability range and quality of

shopping provision in certain centres and the

implications of retail decline for land uses,

environmental quality and existing investment in

and around the town centres.

- Importance of a shopping environment which is

acceptable to major retailers and shoppers, with

particular emphasis on traffic conditions, car

parking provision, pedestrian / vehicular conflict,

ancillary facilities and quality of urban

environment.

7.4 ISSUES

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- The attraction of town and city centres outside the

District, particularly among car owning households

and for clothes and footwear shopping.

- Popularity of modern supermarkets / superstores and

local shops for food and grocery shopping and retail

warehouses for furniture, electrical goods,

household furnishings and DIY shopping.

- Implications of retail development for urban

regeneration and employment opportunities and the

use of industrial land.

- Need to recognise the convergence between retailing

and leisure activities and encompass both in centres.

7.5.1 To address these issues and provide the

framework for formulating policies which reinforce the

overall aims of the UDP the following retail objectives

have been adopted:

i) To encourage the provision and distribution of

the fullest range of shopping facilities and

modern retailing concepts which maximise

the benefits to the community, and

acknowledge the needs of all sections of the

community for convenient access to a wide

range of shops. In particular to:

- Support and enhance the role of Wakefield

as a sub-regional centre

- Improve the range of national multiple

comparison goods retailers in Castleford

and Pontefract.

This objective seeks to secure a balance between the

economic, social and environmental considerations

associated with the location of retail investment. It

seeks to safeguard the needs of the least mobile

sections of the community: those without a car, the

elderly, the disabled, families with young dependant

children, and people on low incomes. It recognises and

seeks to encourage and accommodate modern retailing

concepts which can provide benefits both for the

retailers and consumers through increased efficiency,

quality and range of facilities, shop design and

shopping environment.

ii) To support the continuing role of town and

city centres as the foci of shopping activity

and as far as possible to sustain and enhance

their viability and vitality acknowledging the

role of individual centres will change and

evolve in a dynamic retail environment.

This objective recognises town centres function as

multi-purpose centres, underpinned by retailing, which

provide an excellent distribution of shopping facilities

in locations most easily accessible to the communities

which they serve. It is based on the belief that the

general public interest, and especially the needs of the

least mobile sections of the community are best served

by these centres which are generally well served by

public transport and which provide a wide and valuable

range of associated facilities, thereby minimising the

need for additional trips. Nevertheless, it recognises

that the role of these centres will change and evolve in

a dynamic retail environment in response to modern

retailing concepts and consumer aspirations..

iii) To renew and improve the shopping

environment in town and city centres, with

particular attention to be paid to traffic

conditions, car parking provision, pedestrian /

vehicular conflict, provision of associated

facilities and quality of the urban

environment.

This objective recognises that the shopping

environment in town centres has in many cases been

neglected and consequently deteriorated, that in order

to secure the commercial viability and attractiveness of

these centres it is necessary to provide the high quality

shopping environment demanded by investors, retailers

and consumers alike. Failure to rectify the deficiencies

will lead to loss of patronage and increase pressure for

free-standing retail developments.

7.6.1 Shopping policies have been developed to reflect

the changing retail environment, accommodate the

aspirations of both retailers and consumers, satisfy the

principles identified in Regional Planning Guidance

and reinforce the Council's development strategy. .

7.6.2 The objectives outlined above and the policies

identified below are based on promoting a sequential

7.5 OBJECTIVES

7.6 POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Retailing Volume 2




approach whereby first preference should be for town

centre sites, where suitable sites or buildings suitable

for conversion are available, followed by edge-of-

centre sites, district and local centres and only then out-

of-centre sites in locations that offer a realistic choice

of access by public transport, walking and cycling, in

order to maximise the benefits to the community as a

whole, foster regeneration, conserve the environment,

and to encourage the efficient and effective use of

infrastructure and finite resources.

7.6.3 It should be noted that all proposals for retailing

development will also be subject to Environment,

Transport and Open Land Policies in addition to those

included in this Chapter.

Retail Development in Shopping

Centres

S1 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE

ENCOURAGED AND PERMITTED IN THE

RETAIL AREA OF THE TOWN AND CITY

CENTRES AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS

MAPS. IN OTHER RECOGNISED CENTRES

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE

ENCOURAGED ON AN APPROPRIATE SCALE

TO THE NEEDS OF THE AREA SERVED BY

THESE CENTRES. DEVELOPMENT WILL BE

SUBJECT TO LOCAL PLANNING, TRAFFIC

AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

AND VIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE

NEEDS OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN OR NEAR

THE AREAS AFFECTED.

7.6.4 Policy S1 reflects the Council's commitment to

town and district shopping facilities, as the basis for the

provision of comprehensive shopping facilities which

are accessible to and best serve the community as a

whole. It recognises the current importance of town

centres as locations for shopping, particularly for

people without access to a car, and the importance of

retailing as the dominant economic activity

underpinning the social and economic life of town

centres.

7.6.5 Policy S1 seeks to reinforce the role of existing

centres as the foci of shopping activity by encouraging

new retail development, redevelopment or

refurbishment in these centres to improve the quality

and quantity of shopping provision in line with retailer

and consumer aspirations and needs. Town centres

account for approximately 41% of the spending on

convenience goods (food and grocery shopping) in the

District, and approximately 78% for comparison goods

(non-food shopping).

7.6.6 The town centres in the District provide an

excellent distribution of local facilities in locations

most easily accessible to the free-standing communities

which they serve. Indeed, the smaller the town the

more important in its life and that of the surrounding

area is its centre. The value of the range of services and

social facilities available and readily accessible within

even the smallest centre must not be overlooked or

prejudiced by inappropriately located retail

development. These centres and facilities are

particularly valuable to the least mobile sections of the

community.

7.6.7 Wakefield city centre is the dominant shopping

centre in the District, attracting 7% of the spending on

food and grocery shopping and 48% on non-food

shopping, and is likely to remain so. Nevertheless, in

view of major retail attractions, including Leeds city

centre and Meadowhall, outside the District and

projected expenditure trends there is scope, and indeed

a need, to supplement the shopping provision. In

particular there is a need to expand the range and

quality of comparison goods shopping in order that

Wakefield city centre protects its position. In this

respect the Council will seek to influence and

encourage retailers to introduce quality into retail

development and character into the retail environment.

Policy S5 is designed to assist this process.

7.6.8 Wakefield city centre is no longer a significant

destination for food and grocery shopping, spending is

lost to competing modern free-standing superstores.

Expanding the range and quality of convenience goods

shops will make Wakefield more attractive for this type

of shopping.

7.6.9 Castleford and Pontefract town centres provide

the most important shopping centres in the Five Towns

area, although Wakefield and Leeds exert a strong

influence. Pontefract in particular is an important

shopping destination, attracting 17% of the spending

on food and grocery shopping in the District.

Castleford and Pontefract provide a more restricted

range of comparison goods shopping than Wakefield,

each centre suffering from the proximity of the other,

neither centre being dominant and attracting the higher

order comparison goods retailers in their full trading

format.

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7.6.10 Limited scope exists for new comparison goods

floorspace in Castleford and Pontefract related to

growth in consumer expenditure by 2006. In order to

meet residents shopping needs locally and secure the

future of the town centres, it is considered necessary to

encourage development to broaden the range and

quality of comparison goods shopping in the area.

7.6.11 The remaining town centres in the District

provide predominantly convenience shopping facilities

for their immediate locality, supplemented only in

South Elmsall by a basic range of comparison goods

provision. There is little likelihood of any of these

centres developing significantly, in view of their small

catchment population and the proximity of large

centres. Nevertheless, qualitative improvements will be

encouraged and concentrated in the town centres to

reinforce the economic basis of these centres and to

sustain the range of associated commercial and social

facilities available. Certain centres such as Horbury

provide an opportunity to develop a specialist retailing

environment based on the characteristics of the centre

and surrounding catchment population. Opportunities

for development in Wakefield city and the other town

centres are identified on the Proposals Maps

Retail Development on the edge of

Shopping Centres

S2 LARGE RETAIL OUTLETS (FOODSTORES

AND RETAIL WAREHOUSES) WHICH

CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN THE

DEFINED RETAILING AREAS OF CENTRES

WILL BE PERMITTED ON THE FRINGE OF

THESE AREAS PROVIDED THAT THE

DEVELOPMENT:

i) LIES WITHIN THE EXISTING URBAN

AREA;

ii) IS READILY ACCESSIBLE BY

PEOPLE WHO RELY ON PUBLIC

TRANSPORT, WHETHER AS

SHOPPERS OR PROSPECTIVE

MEMBERS OF THE WORKFORCE;

iii) DOES NOT INVOLVE LAND

ALLOCATED FOR OTHER USES;

iv) IS ON A SCALE APPROPRIATE TO

THE NEEDS OF THE AREA SERVED

BY THE ESTABLISHED SHOPPING

CENTRE.

DEVELOPMENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL

PLANNING, TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSIDERATIONS AND VIEWED IN THE

CONTEXT OF THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WHO

LIVE IN OR NEAR THE AREAS AFFECTED.

THE RETAIL OUTLETS SHOULD

COMPLEMENT THE PROVISION WITHIN THE

ESTABLISHED SHOPPING CENTRE

7.6.12 Policy S2 recognises that certain modern large

retail outlets cannot be accommodated satisfactorily

within established shopping centres. It seeks to locate

such outlets on the fringe of centres within reasonable

walking distance and where they might function as a

continuous extension of the centres, although it has to

be recognised that this is not always achieved.

7.6.13 This policy seeks to make provision for modern

retailing concepts which bring benefits to retailers and

consumers alike, in locations which safeguard

accessibility by people who rely on public transport, on

land which is often neglected or under-utilised on the

fringe of town centres, providing an opportunity to

revitalise traditionally run-down fringe areas. However,

it seeks to avoid retail development on land allocated

for other uses, so that the "hope value" associated with

retail development does not preclude other desirable

uses close to the town centres. To ensure retail

development complements the provision within the

established shopping centre planning conditions will be

attached, where appropriate, to regulate the minimum

size and sub-division of retail units and the range of

goods sold. It is considered desirable that such outlets

should congregate in the form of a retail warehouse

park, wherever possible, to provide a range of facilities

in a single location which can be adequately served by

highway infrastructure and public transport, thereby

minimising the need for additional trips.

7.6.14 A successful form of this type of development

has been encouraged at Ings Road, Wakefield. The

original area has been extended with the development

of 20,952 sq. m. net of new floorspace at the Cathedral

and Westgate retail parks, which opened in 1996, and

Albion Mills, which opened in 1999. Equally, this form

of development has provided the opportunity to rectify

the lack of retail warehouse provision in Castleford and

Pontefract. The Park Road retail park, which opened in

two phases in 1995 and 1998, provides 6,083 sq. m. net

Retailing Volume 2




of new floorspace in Pontefract, supplementing the

provison at Enterprise Way, Castleford and South

Baileygate, Pontefract. It is anticipated there will only

be limited smaller scale development associated with

other town centres in the District.

Out-of-Centre Retail Development

S3 RETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN OUT-OF-CENTRE

LOCATIONS WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED

WHERE THE APPLICANT HAS

DEMONSTRATED:

i) THERE IS A CLEARLY DEFINED NEED

WHICH CANNOT BE MET IN AN

EXISTING CENTRE WITHIN THE

CATCHMENT THAT THE PROPOSED

DEVELOPMENT SERVES;

ii) THE TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT

PROPOSED, HAVING BEEN FLEXIBLE

ABOUT THE SCALE, FORMAT, DESIGN

AND CAR PARKING, CANNOT BE

SATISFACTORILY ACCOMMODATED

IN, OR ON THE EDGE OF, EXISTING

CENTRES;

AND IN SUCH CASES

iii) IT DOES NOT UNDERMINE THE

VIABILITY AND VITALITY OF EXISTING

CENTRES OR SOCIALLY NECESSARY

LOCAL SHOPPING FACILITIES, OR

LEAD TO SUBSTANTIAL OVER

PROVISION OF SHOPPING FACILITIES;

iv) IT OFFERS A REALISTIC CHOICE OF

ACCESS BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT,

WALKING AND CYCLING;

v) IT DOES NOT INCREASE THE NEED TO

TRAVEL OR RELIANCE ON THE CAR;

vi) IT DOES NOT INVOLVE LAND

ALLOCATED FOR INDUSTRY /

BUSINESS OR OTHER USES,

DESIGNATED GREEN BELT OR OPEN

LAND;

AND IN THE CASE OF LARGE FOOD /

CONVENIENCE OUTLETS:

vii) IT IS IN A PART OF THE MAIN URBAN

AREAS OF WAKEFIELD, CASTLEFORD

OR PONTEFRACT, PROVIDING THAT

SUCH DEVELOPMENT IS ON A SCALE

APPROPRIATE TO SERVE THE NEEDS

OF THE LOCALITY.

DEVELOPMENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO LOCAL

PLANNING, TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSIDERATIONS AND VIEWED IN THE

CONTEXT OF THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WHO

LIVE IN OR NEAR THE AREAS AFFECTED.

7.6.15 Policy S3 recognises there is a certain degree of

retailer and consumer interest in out-of-centre retail

developments. The policy also accommodates outlets

selling predominantly heavy and/or bulky raw

materials, motor vehicles and parts, garden centres and

supplies.

7.6.16 Policy S3 seeks to establish the principles on

which out-of-centre development would be acceptable,

bearing in mind the sequential approach and the

oversupply of free-standing retail provision in the

District, if existing centres are to retain their market

share, outlined earlier.

7.6.17 The Council has granted planning consent for a

factory outlet centre, consisting of approximately

23,200 sq. m. gross of new floorspace at

Glasshoughton, Castleford, which opened in Autumn

1999. Factory outlet centres group together large

numbers of manufacturers and distributors selling

discounted brand name goods. The centre should offer

a range of goods not available in town centres and

provide a facility of regional significance which should

attract custom to the Five Towns area from a wide

catchment.

7.6.18 The policy seeks to avoid substantial over

provision of shopping facilities, protect the viability

and vitality of existing centres, which provide an

excellent distribution of shopping facilities well suited

to the settlement pattern in the District, and to

safeguard the interests of the least mobile sections of

the community. Beyond this it seeks to maximise the

range and quality of shopping provision available to

residents of the District, in locations where it will not

lead to an increase in travel, particularly involving

motorised journeys, or reliance on the car.

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Local Shops

S4 THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL SHOPPING

FACILITIES TO SERVE THE DAY-TO-DAY

NEEDS OF THEIR IMMEDIATE LOCALITY

WILL BE ENCOURAGED AND PERMITTED,

SUBJECT TO LOCAL PLANNING, TRAFFIC

7.6.19 Policy S4 makes provision for local shopping

facilities to serve the day-to-day needs of the

community. Local shops remain a major feature of

community life, despite a long-term contraction in

numbers. In recent years, however, the concentration of

food and convenience shopping in fewer larger

supermarkets has been accompanied by the emergence

of innovative local shop provision, associated with

petrol stations, off licenses and extended opening

hours, shops on farms etc.

7.6.20 The Council will seek to ensure the

development of local shops does not contribute to an

increase in motorised journeys, road accidents or other

local traffic and environmental problems. Particular

attention will be given to proposals to convert

properties to retail use on principle traffic routes, where

the conflicts between traffic, parked vehicles and

pedestrians are potentially most hazardous. Policies

relating to traffic management and car parking

associated with development are incorporated in the

Transport section.

Town Centre Management

S5 WITHIN TOWN CENTRES THE COUNCIL WILL

ENCOURAGE AND CO-ORDINATE PRIVATE

AND PUBLIC SECTOR INVESTMENT AND

ACTION. THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON

EXPLOITING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR

BETTER QUALITY RETAIL DEVELOPMENT,

IMPROVING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

(INCLUDING PEDESTRIANISATION), TRAFFIC

AND CAR PARKING MANAGEMENT

SCHEMES, PROVISION OF HOUSING,

ANCILLARY LEISURE AND SOCIAL

FACILITIES, AND PROMOTING THE

HERITAGE, ADVANTAGES AND

ATTRACTIVENESS OF TOWN CENTRES.

7.6.21 Policy S5 recognises that in addition to

controlling the location of new retail investment it is

necessary to improve the environment and

management of town centres, if they are to command

the continued support of retailers and consumers. The

pressure for out-of-centre retail development is closely

associated with the environment and managerial

problems in town centres.

7.6.22 The town centre needs to be managed and

marketed as an entity and the Council's

departmentalised investment and service delivery

programmes need to be co-ordinated and re-orientated

so that the different elements of the centre's role can be

woven together and the inherent conflicts resolved.

Close co-operation with the many private sector

interests and investment programmes in the town

centres is necessary to maximise the commitment and

benefits accruing to the providers and consumers of

town centre services. The Council will seek to

maximise the opportunities that retail development

provides for complementary development to integrate

additional facilities and activities in the town centre

and elsewhere.

7.6.23 To facilitate this process the Council has

launched a wide ranging Town Centre Management

Initiative. In Wakefield, a Wakefield City Centre

Partnership has been established. The Council is

sharing the funding of this partnership with the private

sector over the first three years. A dedicated town

centre manager was appointed in 1996. The Partnership

is working to implement the Wakefield City Centre

Partnership Business Plan 1997 - 2001 "Making the

most of your city", aimed at securing the commercial,

social and environmental competitiveness of

Wakefield. In another eight town centres within the

District, partnerships, consisting of local interested

persons and organisations of a similar nature to those

involved in the Wakefield City Partnership, have been

established. The centres involved are Castleford,

Featherstone, Hemsworth, Horbury, Normanton,

Ossett, Pontefract and South Elmsall. The partnerships

are co-ordinating local initiatives to improve the

vitality and viability of the centres. Town centre

strategies will provide the focus for action, including

monitoring, and encompass renewal, widening the

range of uses, improving accessibility as well as new

development, within the planning framework set by the

UDP.

7.6.24 Town centres must provide a high quality

environment if they are to continue to attract people

and prosper. Opportunities should be taken to improve

the urban / civic design associated with the

development, re-development and re-use of large sites

in or on the edge of town centres, as well as for small

Retailing Volume 2




sites and individual buildings. Urban design analysis

should be undertaken as part of town centre strategies,

to underpin the principles incorporated in the UDP.

7.6.25 Diversity of uses in town centres and their

accessibility to people living and working in the area,

make an important contribution to their vitality and

viability. Opportunities for development in Wakefield

city and the other town centres, including suitable areas

and sites for mixed use development, are incorporated

in the Plan as Community Area proposals (Volumes 3,

4, and 5) and identified on the Proposals Maps.

Non-retail Uses in Shopping

Frontages

S6 IN TOWN CENTRES NON-RETAIL USES WILL

BE PERMITTED SUBJECT TO THE

FOLLOWING CRITERIA IN DESIGNATED

CENTRES:

i) IN PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGES

NON-RETAIL USES ARE RESTRICTED

TO CLASS A2 AND A3 OF THE USE

CLASSES ORDER 1987;

ii) IN PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGES

ONLY IN EXCEPTIONAL

CIRCUMSTANCES WILL CORNER

PROPERTIES BE PERMITTED TO

CHANGE FROM RETAIL TO A NON-

RETAIL USE;

iii) IN PRIMARY FRONTAGES THE

PREDOMINANTLY RETAIL

CHARACTER AND FUNCTION OF THE

FRONTAGE MUST BE RETAINED.

SUBJECT TO LOCAL PLANNING,

TRAFFIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSIDERATIONS.

7.6.26 This policy aims to ensure that changes of use

within the shopping frontages of town centres take

place without undermining their shopping function. It

is hoped that this will encourage the entrepreneur and

give certainty to existing traders.

7.6.27 The policy recognises that space in shopping

frontages can usefully be taken by non-retail uses. Such

uses can add to the variety, attractiveness and

economic activity of the centre, but only so long as

they do not concentrate within primary frontages so

that the retail character of the immediate area is

undermined, and do not deter the movement of

shoppers in a particular direction within the centre.

7.6.28 The policy applies different levels of planning

control to primary and secondary shopping locations. It

is recognised that certain non-retail uses can be

satisfactorily located in primary frontages subject to the

safeguards set out. These frontages are the backbone of

the shopping centre. Certain non-retail uses can

enhance the facilities offered to shoppers, but

safeguards are required to ensure that the

predominantly retail character of these frontages is not

undermined. Other non-retail uses would have this

effect and are therefore not acceptable.

7.6.29 To help retain the continuity of these primary

frontages, adjoining non-retail uses will only be

permitted where there are no detrimental effects. The

Council will also seek to prevent the over-

intensification of a particular type of outlet in a

frontage, where the cumulative effects can cause local

problems, and in order to retain interest and variety in

the street scene. Whether a particular non-retail service

is sufficiently represented in a shopping centre is not a

material consideration, but a matter of commercial

judgement.

7.6.30 Non-retail uses can be located in other shopping

frontages, subject to more limited safeguards. These

shopping frontages already provide a range of non-

retail services. There is no objection, in principle, to

changes to non-retail uses which can usefully take

frontage space, provided that the frontage remains

broadly retail in character and does not lead to

unacceptable new concentrations of single uses.

7.6.31 To implement this policy, the designated town

centres and their relevant shopping frontages are

identified on the Proposals Maps. Only those parts of

the centres occupied primarily for retail purposes and

having a recognised central area shopping function are

included. Fragmented shopping uses in peripheral

locations are not included because it is recognised that

these areas are the most sensitive to market changes

and to be over restrictive in terms of permitted uses

could damage their economic viability and vitality.

Certain centres, particularly the smaller ones, are not

designated so as to provide greater flexibility for these

centres to adapt and evolve in a dynamic retail

environment, to ensure the centres continue to prosper

and provide a valuable range of relevant services and

facilities for their surrounding communities.

Volume 2




Supplementary Planning Guidance

7.6.32 A series of Development Control Guidelines

have been approved by the Council to further assist the

control of development. These guidelines are listed in

Appendix 1 and they will constitute material

considerations in the determination of planning

applications. Here attention is drawn to guidelines

relating to: Shopfront Design; Shopfront Signs and

Advertisements; Shopfront Security, which provide

design guidance consistent with the Environment

policies.

Leisure Volume 2




8.1.1 Leisure activities are major pastimes of growing

importance. Increasing affluence, leisure time and

interest in fitness and health continue to contribute to

the escalating demand for facilities. The links between

health and exercise are firmly established and the

benefits of recreation and leisure activities to

individuals and society in general are acknowledged.

The tourism and leisure industry is also of considerable

economic value, providing an important source of

employment accounting for about 7% of employment,

approximately 7,500 jobs, in the District.

8.1.2 The term 'leisure' covers a range of activities

which require a variety of facilities, not all of which are

appropriate in all locations. Leisure activities generally

fall into three categories:

i) recreation - countryside and 'open air' activities;

ii) 'sports' activities;

iii) 'commercial' activities - cinemas, pubs etc.

Tourists may use all of the above, but tourist

accommodation is covered in the Employment section

of the UDP.

8.1.3 Leisure facilities are important components in the

development and use of land which contribute

significantly to the quality of life. Accordingly, the

UDP incorporates the Council's planning policies to

foster the development of new leisure facilities which

provide a wide range of opportunities in readily

accessible locations for the full cross section of the

community. A draft Sport and Recreation Strategy for

the Wakefield District 1999-2005 is in the final stages

of preparation. This will provide the basis for making

decisions about the future planning of services and

facilities, both new and existing.

8.2.1 Government Planning Policy Guidance on sport,

recreation, leisure and tourism is contained in the

following documents: PPG17 (Sport and Recreation)

dated September 1991; PPG21 (Tourism) dated

November 1992; PPG6 (Town Centres and Retail

Developments) dated June 1996 and PPG13

(Transport) dated March 2001.

8.2.2 The Government is concerned about the

continuing loss of playing fields to development and, in

December 1998, introduced additional safeguards in

the form of a Direction requiring the notification of the

Secretary of State of applications which a local

planning authority proposes to approve, contrary to the

advice of Sport England.

8.2.3 In February 1999, the Government clarified its

policy in PPG6 on proposals for new leisure

development as follows. Development proposed in an

edge of centre or out of centre location and not in

accordance with an up to date development plan

strategy should be required to demonstrate both the

need for additional facilities and that a sequential

approach has been applied in selecting the location or

the site.

8.2.4 Regional Planning Policy Guidance for Yorkshire

and Humberside (RPG12, dated August 1996) provides

specific guidance on issues of regional significance,

and this in turn refers to the need to have regard to

regional strategy, entitled "Principles, Partners and

Players", produced by the Yorkshire and Humberside

Council for Sport, and to local strategies for

recreational, sporting and leisure activities.

8.2.5 The Yorkshire and Humberside Council for Sport

has now been replaced by the Yorkshire and

Humberside Sports Forum, and it's associated

executive body, the Yorkshire and Humberside Sports

Board. The Board is represented on the "Regional

Cultural Consortium", which is required to produce a

Regional Cultural Strategy, and will include sports and

recreational issues, and thus incorporate a regional

sports and recreational strategy.

8.3.1 This section briefly highlights the changes in

society and trends in provision of leisure facilities and

participation in leisure activities which will influence

demand and planning policies.

8.3.2 The District's population is expected to decrease

slightly by 2006 according to latest projections. There

are expected to be significant changes in the age

structure, in particular declines of 8,000 (12%) in the 0-

15 age group and 9,000 (10%) in the 25-44 age group.

Increases are expected in all other age groups, notably

8,000 in the 45-64 group. Overall the population is

ageing.

8.1 THE ROLE OF THE PLAN

8.2 GOVERNMENT POLICY GUIDANCE

8.3 LEISURE TRENDS

Volume 2

Policy Reasoned Justification Leisure



8.3.3 Consequently, there is likely to be a decline in the

numbers of people in most sections of the population

where participation in sport and recreation is relatively

high and increases in the older age groups, where the

opportunity exists to encourage sport and active

lifestyles as family responsibilities and work

commitments reduce.

8.3.4 The number of households in the District is

expected to rise, largely as a result of increasing

numbers of single person households. Changes in the

household structure, with fewer traditional families,

together with economic changes such as part time and

weekend working is likely to lead to an increase in

demand for leisure activities from people with

increasingly diverse lifestyles and home and family

circumstances.

8.3.5 61% of the adult population in Yorkshire and

Humberside take part in sport and active recreation

compared with an average of 64% for all those living

in Britain. (General Household Survey 1996).

Nevertheless, the level of participation varies between

different sections of the community, with women's

participation rates lower than men's; however the trend

is that this gap is steadily narrowing.

8.3.6 Walking continues to be the most popular sport

by some way, with 45% of adults involved, more than

twice as many as swimming, the next most popular

activity. The most significant change has been the

marked increase in popularity of recreational cycling,

keep fit and aerobics, informal sports which do not

require partners, opponents or fellow participants and

which are associated with an increased concern for

personal health and fitness. In contrast, the team sports

such as football and cricket, have suffered a decline.

Only hockey has escaped this trend, increasing

substantially in popularity perhaps linked to the

construction of a substantial number of synthetic turf

pitches.

8.3.7 Indoor activities have consistently remained more

popular with women than outdoor activities and the

continual growth in their popularity explains most of

the narrowing of the gap between men's and women's

participation. Women comprise over 60% of those who

participate in indoor sports while their participation in

outdoor sports has remained more or less static with the

exception of women's football, which is currently

experiencing rapid growth.

8.3.8 Sport England recognises the need to develop

better opportunities for young people to participate in

sport. This has led to a focus on youth sport initiatives

funded with Grant-in-Aid and Lottery Sports Funds. It

is Sport England's aim to develop the "most

comprehensive sports development programme in the

world by the Year 2001" in partnership with a variety

of agencies including local authorities.

8.3.9 Socio-economic status remains an important

influence on participation in sport. People in non-

manual jobs are more likely to take part in sport than

their manual counterparts. The gap is particularly large

for women in the semi-skilled and unskilled groups

who are much less likely to take part in sport than other

women. This pattern however, does not hold true for all

sports. Some, such as football, show very little

difference while others, such as snooker and darts are

much more popular amongst manual workers.

8.3.10 The Countryside Agency surveys indicate that

leisure facilities in the countryside (country parks,

picnic sites, access areas, footpaths etc.) are well used;

there are about 1.1 billion day visits to the countryside

each year. The Agency recognises there are changes in

the way people use their leisure time, e.g. the growth in

mountain biking. Also there are many active retired

people who like to visit the countryside. We need to

take account of changing demands on the countryside.

8.3.11 During the 1970s and 1980s there was a

substantial improvement in the provision of large scale

facilities in the District. Although by no means the sole

provider of leisure facilities the Council has played,

and is likely to continue to play, a major role in the

provision of a wide range of facilities, including parks,

allotments, libraries, museums, art galleries, children's

play grounds, swimming pools, sports pitches, sports

halls / centres and public halls.

8.3.12 The Sport England's Facilities Planning Model

will shortly be available to assist in defining and

meeting facility requirements for the District, and will

be used to assess facility needs as part of the work to

produce a Sport and Recreation Strategy. A number of

governing bodies of sport are also working on their

facilities strategies which may have implications for

regional and local facility requirements that impact

upon Sport England's facilities.

Leisure Volume 2




8.3.13 With the advent of the National Lottery greater

emphasis has been placed on the community use of

leisure facilities, in particular educational facilities, to

help remedy the shortfalls in provision and widen

opportunities for the public. Despite increasing

participation rates and improvements in facility

provision there remain several important barriers to

access to leisure opportunities, related primarily to

physical, financial, social and transport factors. These

barriers are more acute for certain sections of the

community including women, young people, disabled

people, ethnic minorities and unemployed, who have

been identified as priority groups for attention by the

Sport England.

8.4.1 Several important issues are raised by the trends

outlined above which need to be addressed in the

context of the UDP:

- Need to recognise the changing leisure market

associated with the population trends, in

particular the potential growth related to the

older age groups and women.

- Need to accommodate the escalating demand for

a wide range of leisure activities, associated with

the growing importance attached to such

activities and the recognition of the contribution

these activities can make to improving the

quality of life, as recognised in the recent

publication "Health of the Nation".

- The importance of leisure facilities and

countryside activities which are accessible to all

sections of the community.

- Need to address the shortfalls in the provision of

certain leisure facilities and to explore

partnership opportunities.

- Need to reconcile the increased demand and

possible opportunities for leisure in the

countryside and the potential conflict with

existing rural land uses, nature conservation.

8.5.1 To address these issues and provide the

framework for developing policies which reinforce the

overall aim and development strategy of the UDP, two

leisure objectives have been identified:-

i) to facilitate the provision of a wide range of

leisure opportunities in accessible locations

throughout the District to encourage the full

use of leisure time and contribute to raising

the standard of health of the nation.

This objective reflects the growing demand and

importance attached to leisure pursuits and the

contribution such activities can make to achieving a

healthier lifestyle and better quality of life. These

activities offer opportunities for individual and

community participation, improving self-esteem,

community confidence and cohesion, can help to

alleviate deprivation and contribute to social and

economic regeneration. It also recognises that barriers

exist which restrict access to leisure opportunities, and

seeks to minimise those barriers related to and

aggravated by poor accessibility.

ii) to secure greater community use of leisure

facilities.

This objective seeks to maximise the leisure

opportunities available by securing better use of

existing facilities. It recognises that in many cases dual

use of facilities provides a cost effective way of

expanding opportunities, encouraging wider public

participation and reduces the pressure for releasing

additional land for facilities for participatory leisure

pursuits.

8.6.1 Policies have been developed which address the

changing nature of demand for leisure activities,

reflected in the trends and issues outlined earlier, and

which reinforce the development strategy.

8.6.2 It should be noted that all proposals for Leisure

development will also be subject to Environment,

Transport and Open Land policies, in addition to those

included within this chapter.

8.4 ISSUES

8.5 OBJECTIVES

8.6 POLICY JUSTIFICATION

Volume 2




Leisure Development

L1 LAND IS ALLOCATED IN THE PLAN FOR

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR LEISURE

FACILITIES, URBAN OPEN SPACE AND

COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION, TO SATISFY A

WIDE RANGE OF LEISURE NEEDS.

8.6.3 Provision is made in the Plan for a range of

leisure facilities, including open space, playing fields

and for countryside leisure. However, a draft Sport and

Recreation Strategy for the Wakefield District 1999-

2005 is in the final stages of preparation. With the

advent of Best Value further assessment is required of

the leisure needs and aspirations of residents. All land

allocated for leisure use is believed to be in sustainable

locations.

8.6.4 The assessment of the provision of local open

space undertaken for the Local Plans has not been

updated at this stage and it continues to provide the

basis for the proposals incorporated in the Plan. The

assessment was based on the assumption that children

should not have to walk more than 400 metres and

should not have to cross a main road to reach such a

facility. In this context, it is important that space is not

only accessible but also safe in terms of the type of

provision and its location, particularly as young

children and adolescents are the major users of such

facilities. Areas of housing which did not satisfy this

requirement were considered deficient.

8.6.5 Open space and children's' play areas associated

with new residential development are considered under

the housing policy H9.

L2 NEW LEISURE AND TOURIST

DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ENCOURAGED

AND PERMITTED:

i) IN THE CASE OF MAJOR TRAVEL-

GENERATING USES, IN CITY, TOWN

AND DISTRICT CENTRES OR, IN THE

CASE OF SMALLER FACILITIES, IN

LOCAL CENTRES;

ii) OUTSIDE SUCH CENTRES, ONLY

WHERE THERE IS A CLEARLY

DEFINED NEED, WHERE THERE ARE

NO MORE CENTRAL SITES AFTER

HAVING BEEN FLEXIBLE ABOUT

SCALE, FORMAT AND CAR PARKING,

AND WHERE THE SITE IS OR WOULD

BE READILY ACCESSIBLE BY A

CHOICE OF MEANS OF TRANSPORT,

INCLUDING WALKING, CYCLING AND

PUBLIC TRANSPORT;

iii) ALL DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE

CONSISTENT WITH THE

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE

SURROUNDING AREA.

8.6.6 Policy L2 establishes the framework for the

provision of new leisure and tourist facilities. The

Employment section sets out the Council's policy for

tourist accommodation.

8.6.7 The policy identifies city, town, and district

centres as the preferred location for all key town centre

uses which attract large numbers of people (including

leisure and entertainment facilities such as cinemas and

bowling). Local centres will often provide the most

appropriate location for smaller-scale leisure uses (such

as pubs and restaurants). Central locations generally

offer the greatest accessibility for all sections of the

community, provide opportunities for linked trips to

other attractions and facilities, and help sustain and

enhance existing centres.

8.6.8 Leisure and tourist development (such as major

new attractions like sports stadia and leisure parks)

cannot always be located in existing centres. However,

for leisure and tourist development proposals outside

such centres to be acceptable in accordance with policy

L2, applicants will be expected to justify the proposal

and location against the specific tests set out by part (ii)

of the policy.

8.6.9 The policy recognises the need to consider the

compatibility of leisure and tourist development with

its surroundings. This will be particularly relevant

where development affects residential areas or other

sensitive locations such as conservation areas.

Protection of Open Space

L3 GREEN OPEN SPACES IN THE URBAN AREA

WILL BE PROTECTED WHERE THERE IS A

LEISURE, NATURE CONSERVATION, URBAN

WILDLIFE OR AMENITY VALUE ASSOCIATED

WITH THE SITE. DEVELOPMENT

PROPOSALS WHICH MATERIALLY CONFLICT

WITH THE VALUE OF SUCH LAND FOR

THESE PURPOSES WILL NOT BE

PERMITTED, UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS ARE

MADE FOR SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE

PROVISION.

Leisure Volume 2




8.6.10 The concept of Green Corridors promoted in the

Environment policies, reflects the Council's

commitment to the environment and, in particular, to

the conservation of ecologically and environmentally

important areas. Green Corridors will provide the

framework for developing an integrated and linked

system of open space for wildlife, amenity and leisure.

In addition Open Land Policy OL3 provides the basis

for protecting large tracts of open land within the built

up areas of Wakefield.

8.6.11 Within this framework the Council has

identified the need to protect local areas of open space,

including school playing fields, in order to retain green

space in urban areas. Policy L3 provides the context for

protecting urban green space. For the purposes of this

policy urban green space includes parks, playing fields,

common land, allotments, children's' play areas and

amenity space in public and private ownership.

8.6.12 The policy is intended to provide protection for

urban open space with a recognised leisure, nature

conservation or amenity value. However, the policy

does not necessarily preclude all development and it

provides the option for negotiating arrangements to

secure alternative open space provision. At this stage it

has not been possible to identify local urban open space

to be protected on the Proposals Maps. The Council is

currently undertaking a comprehensive review of open

space provision and will bring forward specific

proposals which will be incorporated in a future review

of the Plan.

8.6.13 The importance attached to urban open space is

recognised in PPG3 (March 2000). The guidance

emphasises the need for higher densities and the re-use

of previously developed land, but it also states

'Developing more housing within urban areas should

not mean building on urban green spaces.' (paragraph

53).

8.6.14 The provisions of PPG3 complement those of

Government Planning Policy Guidance on sport,

recreation, leisure and tourism seeking to protect urban

open space, referred to in paragraphs 8.2.1 and 8.2.2

above.

Countryside Leisure

L5 PROVISION FOR COUNTRYSIDE LEISURE,

INCLUDING COUNTRY PARKS AND LOCAL

NATURE RESERVES, WILL BE

ENCOURAGED AND PERMITTED WHERE IT

IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CAPACITY OF

THE COUNTRYSIDE TO ABSORB SUCH

USES, THE CONSERVATION OF THE

ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER ECOLOGICAL

CONSIDERATIONS, AND COMPATIBLE WITH

OTHER LEISURE INTERESTS.

8.6.19 Policy L5 acknowledges the increasing interest

in both informal and organised outdoor leisure pursuits.

In this context some activities require specific natural

resources such as water, or forest, whereas other

pursuits need access to countryside of a less specific

nature, such as high quality landscape. The policy also

recognises that the promotion of countryside leisure

opportunities must be balanced with environmental

conservation. Proposals will be considered in the light

of the environmental policies contained in the Plan. In

particular, it is anticipated that the Green Corridors will

provide a framework within which leisure activities are

developed in the countryside.

8.6.20 The Yorkshire and Humberside region is

endowed with several designated countryside areas

including National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural

Beauty and national trails. This policy seeks to foster

the development of local easily accessible facilities to

supplement and relieve pressure on the more distant

designated areas which are not necessarily readily

accessible or suitable for the more intensive and

intrusive activities.

8.6.21 The rural belt to the south of Wakefield,

extending from Bretton to Wentbridge, already

accommodates a number of leisure attractions which

are well located in terms of accessibility to the urban

areas in the District, as well as to a wider catchment

areas. Proposals for extending or providing additional

facilities and attractions will be encouraged to

maximise opportunities and relieve pressure on the

more remote and sensitive locations. In this context

farm diversification and countryside stewardship might

provide opportunities for leisure. Government

measures introduced to reduce agricultural output and

assist farmers to generate income from non-agricultural

enterprises are designed so that the land could revert

easily to agricultural production should the food

Volume 2




supply situation change. This is compatible with many

countryside leisure activities which are extensive users

of land but do not require major building works.

Changing farming practices such as less intensive

cultivation and planting of new woodland will

themselves provide opportunities for extending leisure

activities in the countryside. Any proposals for

additional leisure development in the countryside will

be considered with due regard to Green Belt policies.

8.6.22 To reinforce the development strategy the

opportunities to make provision for facilities close to

the urban areas by reclaiming areas of derelict and

degraded land will be exploited. Reclamation can

provide a major contribution to the provision of

additional leisure facilities, and can also provide an

opportunity to accommodate the more intrusive forms

of leisure activity which are not appropriate in sensitive

environments or adjoining urban areas. The priorities

associated with land reclamation and environmental

improvements are incorporated in the Council's derelict

land reclamation programme and the Environment

policies in the Plan. Opportunities and proposals to

provide additional leisure facilities and Country Parks,

often through reclamation of derelict areas and mineral

extraction sites, are identified in Volumes 3, 4, & 5 of

the Plan.

8.6.23 Increased leisure activity in the countryside can

lead to conflicts of interest, damage and disturbance to

the finite and specific attractions of the countryside

resources. Therefore L5 seeks to maintain a proper

balance between increased access to the countryside

and conservation of wildlife and the natural

environment. The emphasis and priority attached to

promoting and controlling leisure activities will vary

depending on the inherent qualities and characteristics

of the natural environment and capacity of the area to

absorb such uses, to ensure the most appropriate

balance is maintained. It is important that proposals

which jeopardise this balance are not permitted.

L6 THE NETWORK OF PUBLIC FOOTPATHS,

CYCLEWAYS AND BRIDLEWAYS WILL BE

PROTECTED, AND IMPROVED AND

EXTENDED AS OPPORTUNITIES ARISE,

PARTICULARLY THROUGH THE

RECLAMATION OF DISUSED RAILWAY LINES

OR DERELICT LAND.

8.6.24 An integrated, well maintained network of

footpaths, cycleways and bridleways is an essential

ingredient in providing access to the countryside for

pedestrians, cyclists and horseriders. Such a network

provides an effective means for many people to enjoy

the countryside at their convenience and provides a

valuable link between the various leisure features and

areas of attraction. In addition, footpaths, bridleways

and cycle routes contribute to sustainability objectives

of reducing the use of the car. 'Into the

Countryside' (1989) provided the framework for

improving rights of way and access to the countryside.

This was superseded by the Council's Milestones

Strategy, based on an initiative by the Countryside

Commission (now Countryside Agency) which puts the

emphasis on opening up the whole network of public

paths and sets national targets for rights of way by the

year 2000. The Milestones Approach aims to ensure

that all rights of way are properly maintained, legally

defined and promoted. WMDC has made some

progress towards the targets and continues to monitor

and review progress for rights of way work for the

District.

8.6.25 A managed network of paths and trails with

associated facilities co-ordinated with public transport

services can provide ready access from the urban areas

to the countryside, with a minimum of disturbance and

conflict to other rural activities. The Council would

like to see the network of footpaths, bridleways and

cycleways augmented by the use of disused railway

lines and derelict land. Together the routes would

maximise use of existing linear corridors, thereby

minimising any disruption to adjacent activities and

upholding the principles of sustainable development. In

the wider context such action safeguards these linear

corridors for possible future use as rail or road

communication links. The Council's Disused Railways

Strategy highlights potential links between different

types of route and where improvements might be made.

The Strategy is a material consideration in the

determination of planning applications.

L7 THE LEISURE POTENTIAL OF THE

DISTRICT'S WATERWAYS WILL BE

PROMOTED AND DEVELOPED, IN A WAY

WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH COMMERCIAL

ACTIVITY ON THE NETWORK.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS ALONGSIDE

THE WATERWAYS WILL BE CONSIDERED

WITH DUE REGARD TO THEIR EFFECT ON

ANY LEISURE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL.

Leisure Volume 2




8.6.26 Policy L7 seeks to exploit the potential for

leisure activities along the waterways corridors which

respect and enhance the waterways and their qualities.

The waterway system conveniently links countryside

areas with existing facilities to those with potential and

to the City of Wakefield. The Council is a member of a

partnership which is looking to develop a mixed use

regeneration scheme in close proximity to the City

centre adjacent to the waterway. This will include a

new art gallery, hotel, specialist retailing, craft

workshops, a major new leisure facility and pub/

restaurant. In addition, opportunities are to be

considered for less intensive leisure pursuits such as

walking, cycling, riding, angling etc. elsewhere along

the waterways.

8.2.27 Nonetheless, it is important to ensure such

development is consistent with the commercial activity

on the network and the Council's desire to encourage

the movement of freight by waterway where practical,

in accordance with Policies T18 and I2.

Supplementary Planning Guidance

8.6.28 A series of Development Control Guidelines

have been approved by the Council to further assist the

control of development. These guidelines are listed in

Appendix 1 and they will constitute material

considerations in the determination of planning

applications. Here attention is drawn to guidelines

relating to the Green Plan for Wakefield District and

the Parking Standards in Appendix 2.


First Alteration

Part II Volume 3

Northern Area

Proposals


Part II Volume 2—Policy Reasoned Justification





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2.6.1 Introduction

There is an adequate provision and distribution of

outdoor sports pitches within this Community Area,

but there is a deficiency of sports hall facilities. In the

current economic climate, this deficiency is likely to be

met in the short term by the extended use of school

facilities. Another deficiency arises in the distribution

of small-scale areas of local open space, particularly in

the densely populated residential areas close to the

town centre. Therefore, there are proposals to bring

some areas of land into open space use.

2.6.2 Public Local Amenity Open Space

It is proposed to provide local amenity open space, as

follows:-

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY L1 PUBLIC LOCAL

AMENITY OPEN SPACE IS ALLOCATED ON THE

FOLLOWING SITE, AS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP:

CAS 48 SMAWTHORNE ALLOTMENTS,

PONTEFRACT ROAD

This site is partly Council owned, with the remainder

in various ownerships. It is anticipated that the

development of an area of open space will be

integrated with any future housing or other appropriate

development of this site, subject to detailed

Supplementary Planning Guidance.

In addition to the specific allocations, an additional

area of land, at Holywell Wood, may be developed for

recreational use, if and when the opportunity arises,

through the release of the site by its present agricultural

owner. This site covers an area of former sand

workings now derelict and an area of woodland. The

old sand workings would not form a satisfactory area

for restoration to agriculture and the development of

the land for recreational uses would provide an

informal, semi-rural leisure area to serve a wide urban

population. Tree Preservation Orders are in force.

Department of the Environment grant aid may be

available to assist in reclamation.

2.6.4 Leisure Development

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES L1 AND L2 THE

FOLLOWING AREA IS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP FOR LEISURE USE:

CAS 51 FAIRIES HILL CUT

2.6.6 Cycle Route Network

In this Community Area the District's cycle network

includes a route following the River Calder. A cycle

route is to be created from Whitwood (CAS 9) through

Ackton Pastures (CAS 13) and the Glasshoughton

Special Policy Area (CAS 63) to link into Pontefract

Park for which provision in conjunction with these

developments is required.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES T16 AND T20

THE FOLLOWING LINKS ARE SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP AS PROPOSED CYCLE ROUTES:

CAS 73 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY

(NATIONAL CYCLE NETWORK)

CAS 74 GLASSHOUGHTON - COALFIELDS LINK

ROAD

CAS 75 ACKTON PASTURES

CAS 76 CASTLEFORD - SELBY ROUTE

2.7.1 Introduction

Castleford Town Centre is an all purpose centre

serving a primary area of 50,000-60,000 people,

basically within the area of the former Castleford

borough and settlement to the north. It faces strong

competition from Wakefield and Pontefract which

offer similar and frequently wider range of services.

Retailing is the dominant function of the centre and

partly as a result of the composition of its catchment

area the general service and office functions are

considerably under represented in comparison to most

centre of its size.

The centre is not as structurally compact as would be

desirable. The late nineteenth century core of the centre

on Aire Street has largely disappeared, largely through

demolition and the current centre is essentially linear in

nature along Albion Street and Carlton Street with very

little breadth. New developments at either end of

Carlton Street built in the 1960s have not proved

successful in renewing the centre and that at the eastern

end has recently been demolished, part of it never

having been occupied.

2.6 LEISURE PROPOSALS

2.7 TOWN CENTRE AND RETAILING

PROPOSALS

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Over the past twenty years, there has been a decline of

Castleford Town Centre relative to competing centres,

in some instances that decline has been absolute. The

fabric of the town centre lacks many of the

requirements of modern businesses and Castleford is

consequently under represented in terms of the

presence of national multiples/traders. However, the

opening of the Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre in 1991

went some way to address this, providing an extra

9,290 sq. m (100,000 sq.ft) of gross shopping

floorspace.

2.7.2 Key Issues

The prime issue is to raise the image of the town centre

in the eyes of existing and potential users. Central to

this is the creation of a healthy shopping base. The

opening of the Carlton Lanes centre has been a great

fillip to the range of retail operations in the town centre

but to ensure its success, attention will need to be given

to other aspects of the shopping environment including

measures to counter the dilution of established retail

frontages, to co-ordinate transport and land use giving

priority to the pedestrian, to secure as wide ranging a

retail base as possible and to raise levels of expectation

and achievement in design and environmental

improvement.

Castleford, especially the town centre, has a long

history dating back to Roman times and recent

archaeological excavations have revealed a heritage of

national significance. The development, and promotion

of the towns heritage is an opportunity to be seized in

raising local awareness and pride in the centre.

The provision of good public transport access to the

town centre is recognised as being one of the centre's

assets. The socio-economic grouping within the

catchment area will ensure that public transport

continue to play a key role and the Plan will need to

ensure that high levels of public transport access are

maintained and enhanced. The Local Transport Plan

contains measures to improve facilities and security at

bus and rail stations. See also proposal CAS 78

Castleford Transport Interchange.

There is a need to expand the service and general

commercial role of the town centre. An increased range

of service facilities will help in upgrading the image of

the centre whilst the expanded employment base will to

some extent offset the recent job losses in other sectors

of the local economy.

2.7.3 Policies & Proposals

The following policies and proposals relate specifically

to Castleford Town Centre and supplement the general

policies of the Plan where they are appropriate to the

town centre and the activities carried on there.

Development proposals in this area should take account

of the requirements of the Health and Safety Executive

with regard to the nearby chemical works.

2.7.4 Shopping

The retail stock of Castleford Town Centre comprises

approximately 22,300 sq.m net floor area of which

11,500 sq.m is devoted to comparison goods. The

presence of three supermarkets and the market ensures

a choice for convenience goods. Although the market

penetration of the core shopping area has declined in

recent years, losing trade to free-standing stores and

Pontefract town centre, it is expected that the present

level of town centre convenience sales will continue

throughout the Plan period and no specific land use

allocations for large stores need be made.

As a source of comparison goods the town centre has a

greater impact in its primary catchment area albeit with

a considerable loss of trade to Leeds, Wakefield and

Pontefract. The Carlton Lanes centre provides a further

9,290 sq. m. of gross floorspace, the vast majority of

which is devoted to comparison goods. The centre is

having a major impact in raising the status of

Castleford Town Centre as a provider of comparison

goods but if the town centre is to achieve the level of

penetration it held in 1970, further new floorspace is

likely to be required.

The opening of the Freeport Factory Outlet Centre at

Glasshoughton, which should attract custom to the Five

Towns area from a wide catchment, and the success of

the Carlton Lanes centre should act as a catalyst to

retailing expansion yet at the same time further expose

the deficiencies of much of the existing fabric of the

centre. This is likely to lead to increased private sector

plans for redevelopment, albeit of small scale schemes

and further changes to retailing in the centre. To

accommodate these needs and the opportunities

presented it is necessary to draw up a wide area where

new retail outlets will be permitted and to take steps to

safeguard the primary retail core against dilution

through encroachment by non-retail activities on

ground floor frontages.

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Northern Area Proposals Castleford



CAS 57 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY S1 AN

AREA IS DEFINED ON THE

CASTLEFORD TOWN CENTRE INSET

MAP WHEREIN WHICH RETAIL

DEVELOPMENT WILL BE

ENCOURAGED AND PERMITTED.

BEYOND THIS AREA THERE WILL BE A

PRESUMPTION AGAINST RETAILING

UNLESS IT CAN BE PROVEN THAT THE

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COULD

NOT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN THE

DESIGNATED RETAIL AREA.

CAS 58 ALONG THE FOLLOWING PRIMARY

SHOPPING FRONTAGES AS SHOWN ON

THE CASTLEFORD TOWN CENTRE

INSET MAP, POLICY S6 SHALL APPLY.

THE PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGES

ARE DEFINED AS THE CARLTON LANES

DEVELOPMENT, THE NORTHERN SIDE

OF CARLTON STREET BETWEEN BANK

STREET AND SAGAR STREET AND THE

SOUTHERN SIDE OF CARLTON STREET

BETWEEN COMMERCIAL STREET AND

ALBERT STREET.

CAS 59 POLICY S2 SHALL APPLY

THROUGHOUT PARTS OF THE TOWN

CENTRE INSET AREA NOT WITHIN THE

DESIGNATED RETAIL AREA BUT IN

PRACTICAL TERMS ANY LARGE RETAIL

OUTLET LOCATED SOUTH OF THE

RAILWAY LINE BETWEEN BRIDGE

STREET AND ALBION STREET WOULD

ONLY BE PERMITTED IF IT PROVIDED

AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF ACCESS

NOT REQUIRING THE USE OF OXFORD

STREET AND CAMBRIDGE STREET

AND DID NOT DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTE

TO INCREASED TRAFFIC MOVEMENT

ON THOSE STREETS.

Local shopping provision outside the recognised town

centre will be encouraged in accordance with Policy S4

(see Volume 1).

2.7.5 Commercial

The Council recognises that there is considerable scope

for an increase in office provision in the town centre.

Professional, commercial and some other types of

offices are considerably under represented in

comparison with similar sized towns. In recent years

relatively low rental levels have discouraged private

sector speculative development and despite an increase

in the numbers of building societies and estate agents

moving into High Street frontages in the late 1980s, the

provision of A2 offices in the town centre is also

relatively low. There is every reason to assume that

there will be an increase in the number of such uses

wishing to locate in the town centre. The situation

regarding the provision of B1 category offices is much

less clear but their increased presence in the town

centre would both enhance the centre and improve the

employment base of the area.

CAS 60 THE COUNCIL WILL BE SUPPORTIVE

OF PROPOSALS FOR INCREASED

OFFICE PROVISION IN CASTLEFORD

TOWN CENTRE PROVIDED THEY

ACCORD WITH OTHER PLANNING

POLICIES AND WILL TAKE STEPS TO

PROMOTE THE TOWN CENTRE AS A

POTENTIAL SITE FOR OFFICES.

2.7.9 Possible Development Sites

CAS 77 ALBION STREET - POWELL STREET

(POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT SITE)

(3.2 hectares/7.9 acres)

This is an area which the Council envisages could hold

redevelopment opportunities during the Plan period.

The Council would consider applications for the

redevelopment of sites within this area on their merits

and subject to the policies stated in the Plan. The

following statement gives guidance on the type of

development the Council would wish to see take place

in the area.

Development in this area will help to cater for the

future retail and leisure modernisation and expansion

of the town centre. It will help to consolidate the town

centre retail core. The developer of the bus station site

will be required to create a new transport interchange -

see CAS 78. This will incorporate the existing railway

station site and will be the subject of a planning

obligation or appropriate conditions to secure the

continuity of availability and operation of the bus

station facility. When determining the necessary

planning application, the Council will take into account

the requirements of the West Yorkshire Passenger

Transport Executive.

The Council will adopt a flexible attitude towards the

existing retail precinct fronting Albion Street and

Carlton Street. It is not a requirement of this allocation

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that these properties be redeveloped, although if such a

proposal were to prove viable in the future it would be

welcomed.

Any development proposals for the allocated area

should relate well to Albion Street and Carlton Street.

Associated car parking will be made available as a

general town centre resource and this will also be the

subject of a planning obligation. Good pedestrian links

to Carlton Street should be maintained and, if possible

enhanced. The development could incorporate a new

public library and museum, a visitor centre and other

mixed uses.

Supplementary Planning Guidance will be prepared

which will set out detailed advice and requirements.



population of about 18,000. It has a well established

High Street where the main shops and service

businesses are concentrated between Market Place and

Cheapside and this has recently been pedestrianised to

create an attractive, safe shopping environment. The

town centre acts mainly as a convenience shopping

centre, although comparison facilities are also provided

by a range of small independent traders.

In recent years, however, the relative standing of the

town centre has diminished with the increase in

competition from Wakefield, Castleford and Pontefract

(all about 5 miles from Normanton). The increase in

personal mobility and provision of larger-scale

facilities in these centres has attracted an increasing

number of people from the traditional catchment area

of Normanton town centre.

Extensive housing clearance in the late 1960s and early

1970s has not been matched by new development and

it is indicative of the town's trading character that the

development that has taken place has been largely

restricted to convenience shopping. There is scope for

attracting a limited amount of housing and retailing

back into the town centre.

The town centre still has however a key role in

providing local retail and service facilities. Whilst

acknowledging that there will be limited demand for

expansion of its retail and service base, the above

policies are geared towards consolidation of the

existing centre and provide guidance indicating where

future retail development should be directed in the

town centre.

3.7.2 Normanton Town Centre

Section 7 of Volume 2 details the policies which are

designed to encourage retail development within

specified 'retail area' boundaries of certain town

centres.

NOR 32 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES S1

AND S2 A RETAIL AREA FOR

NORMANTON TOWN CENTRE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE RELEVANT INSET

MAP, WITHIN WHICH RETAIL

DEVELOPMENT WILL GENERALLY BE

ENCOURAGED.

These areas have been identified on the basis of

seeking to consolidate existing shopping activities

within a clearly defined area, outside of which, they

increasingly become secondary to other primary uses.

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Northern Area Proposals Normanton


3.6.1 Introduction

With the exception of the town centre, there is

generally an adequate distribution of local amenity

open space in Normanton and Altofts. There is an

under- provision of sports fields when compared with

other community areas in the Plan area and teams are

seeking pitches. Existing sports grounds are heavily

used and school sites offer little scope for further

development.

3.6.3 Libraries

A new library and environment centre was opened in

2001, sharing a site with the community centre and

swimming pool in Market Street, Normanton.


The District's cycle network includes a proposed

waterways route between Dewsbury and Castleford

following the Aire and Calder Navigation through the

Normanton Community Area, linking to the Trans

Pennine Trail national route at Stanley Ferry. Another

strategic route follows the Normanton By-Pass and

connects via the Beckbridge Lane cycleway to cycle

track provision through residential development on the

former Normanton Golf Course.




NOR 37 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


NOR 38 GLASSHOUGHTON - COALFIELDS LINK

ROAD

NOR 39 NORMANTON GOLF COURSE /

BECKBRIDGE LANE

NOR 40 WAKEFIELD - NORMANTON ROUTE

NOR 41 ALTOFTS HALL FARM

3.7.1 Introduction

Normanton Town Centre has evolved over the years

into a traditional district centre serving a catchment

3.7 RETAILING PROPOSALS


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3.7.3 Primary Shopping Frontages

Policy S6 in Volume 1 recognises that within 'retail

areas' certain important shopping frontages need a

measure of protection from ad-hoc changes of use,

which are incompatible with their primary shopping

purpose.

NOR 33 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY S6, A

PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE NORMANTON

INSET MAP WHERE CHANGE OF USE

TO NON-RETAIL USES WILL BE

RESTRICTED.

3.7.4 Local Shopping

Local shops outside the recognised town centres will

be encouraged in accordance with Policy S4.

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4.7.2 Featherstone Town Centre



specified "retail area" boundaries of certain town

centres.

FTH 28 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES S1

AND S2 A RETAIL AREA FOR

FEATHERSTONE TOWN CENTRE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE RELEVANT INSET

MAP WITHIN WHICH RETAIL


ENCOURAGED.



within a clearly defined area outside of which they



Local shops outside recognised town centres will be

encouraged in accordance with Policy S4 (see Volume

1).

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Northern Area Proposals Featherstone


4.6.1 Introduction

There is a deficiency of playing fields and public open

space in certain parts of Featherstone. Whilst a number

of open space schemes have been implemented in

recent years the Plan includes proposals for further

land to be brought into use as playing fields.


The District's cycle network includes a route skirting

the western side of Pontefract race course and

following the southern side of the M62 within the

Featherstone Community Area, linking to a proposed

expanded rights of way network within the

Glasshoughton redevelopment (CAS 63). It is also

proposed to upgrade the existing popular route between

Featherstone and Pontefract, known as Halfpenny

Lane, for use by cyclists.


THE FOLLOWING LINK IS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP AS A PROPOSED CYCLE

ROUTE:

FTH 33 GLASSHOUGHTON - COALFIELDS LINK

ROAD

4.7.1 Introduction

Featherstone is a small linear district shopping centre

extending along Station Lane and serving a catchment

population of about 13,000. The focus of shopping in

the town is based around a small 1960's precinct

development at the rear of which is a more recent

supermarket.

The centre satisfies only a basic shopping function

primarily in the convenience sector and has suffered

from the decline in the mining industry with a

significant number of shops remaining vacant for

lengthy periods of time.

However, although there is unlikely to be much change

in the town centre within the Plan period, the town

centre still plays a key role in providing local retail

facilities and the above policy provides guidance

indicating where future retail development should be

directed.



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5.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies regarding recreation are

outlined in Section 8 of Volume 2. In overall terms,

Pontefract is reasonably well provided with open space

and outdoor sports provision, although this is

concentrated on the northern side of the town.

Opportunities may exist to provide a better balance of

provision through the extended community use of

school facilities. A private 18 hole golf course has been

developed to the north-east of Darrington.

5.6.2 Public Local Amenity Open

Space

It is proposed to provide local amenity open space as

follows:-


AMENITY OPEN SPACE WILL BE ALLOCATED ON

THE FOLLOWING SITE AS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP:

PNT 45 HAREWOOD PARK

Much of this Council owned site is steeply sloping and

overlooks Baghill Station and the Friarwood area of the

town. It is surrounded on three sides by development

and bounded by the railway to the north-west. It is

intended that the major part of the site be retained as

local open space as shown on the Proposals Map, and

that its recreational potential be enhanced, whilst some

limited housing development may be undertaken in the

south-eastern part.


The District's cycle network includes a route skirting

the western side of Pontefract race course and

following the southern side of the M62 within the

Pontefract Community Area, linking to a proposed

expanded rights of way network within the

Glasshoughton redevelopment (CAS 63). It is also

proposed to upgrade the existing popular pedestrian

route between Pontefract and Featherstone, known as

Halfpenny Lane, for use by cyclists. An existing

permissive cycle track between Park Road and

Monkhill Lane will be replaced by a higher standard of

cycle track in conjunction with the M62 widening part

of the A1 upgrading scheme.




PNT 73 FEATHERSTONE - PONTEFRACT

ROUTE

PNT 74 CASTLEFORD - PONTEFRACT ROUTE

PNT 75 A1 UPGRADING

PNT 76 ORCHARD HEAD LANE

5.7.1 Introduction

Pontefract has been a market and trading centre for

many centuries, sometimes being of some sub-regional

significance. Throughout most of this century it has

been an all purpose centre serving the old borough of

Pontefract together with surrounding villages and in

part the settlements of Featherstone and Knottingley.

Increased personal mobility has resulted in greater

competition from Leeds, Wakefield and Doncaster

where the provision of large scale facilities have

attracted custom from Pontefract's traditional

catchment area.

The town centre still retains a key role in the provision

of retail, service and leisure facilities for the town and

its surrounding population. It has the capability to meet

such requirements adequately but it is unlikely that

outside influences will be such as to permit or

encourage an enhancement of the status of the centre

during the Plan period. Planning policies for the next

decade will need to recognise that the town centre is

unlikely to face demands for a significant expansion of

either its retail or servicing sectors relative to that of

larger centres, and at the same time provide for the

changes necessary to ensure a healthy continuation of

the kind of role it plays in serving the local community.

5.7.2 Key Issues

The retention of a healthy retailing base is essential for

the future of the town centre, and to this end policies

will need to provide for a wide range of retailing

options and to ensure safe and easy access for

shoppers. Existing off street, short stay car parking

provision will be safeguarded and measures to improve

accessibility and attractiveness of buses to cater for an

increased proportion of shopping journeys to be made


5.7 TOWN CENTRE AND RETAILING

PROPOSALS










in which retailing will be acceptable and encouraged.

PNT 49 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY S1 AN

AREA IS DEFINED ON THE

PONTEFRACT TOWN CENTRE INSET

MAP WHEREIN WHICH RETAIL

DEVELOPMENT WILL BE

ENCOURAGED AND PERMITTED.

BEYOND THIS AREA THERE WILL BE

PRESUMPTION AGAINST RETAILING

UNLESS IT CAN BE PROVED THAT THE

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT COULD

NOT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN THE

RETAIL AREA AND WOULD ALSO NOT

BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE VIABILITY

OF TRADING WITHIN THE CORE

RETAIL AREA. WITHIN THIS AREA

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT FRONTING

ONTO SOUTHGATE OR THE

BEASTFAIR/ROPERGATE SERVICE

SCHEME WILL ONLY BE SUPPORTED

WHERE IT IS SHOWN TO BE PART OF A

WIDER DEVELOPMENT WHICH

PROVIDES DIRECT LINKS ONTO

EXISTING YARDS OR OTHER RETAIL

FRONTAGES.

In order to safeguard a healthy retail environment

along the primary frontages of the core area, it will be

necessary to identify an area where the primacy of

retailing will be ensured. To this end a policy of

constraining the development of non-retail uses on

primary retail frontages needs to be applied.

PNT 50 ALONG THE FOLLOWING PRIMARY

SHOPPING FRONTAGES AS SHOWN

ON THE PONTEFRACT TOWN CENTRE

INSET MAP, POLICY S6 SHALL APPLY.

THE PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGES

ARE DEFINED AS BOTH SIDES OF THE

FOLLOWING STREETS - MARKET

PLACE, BEASTFAIR, SHOEMARKET,

SALTER ROW, WOOLMARKET AND

BRIDGE STREET, AND ALSO THE

NORTHERN SIDE OF HORSEFAIR

FROM THE JUNCTION WITH FINKLE

STREET TO THE BUS STATION.

In addition, there are a number of streets in the town

centre which have a mixture of retail and other

commercial uses, which include some of the major

retailing units in the town centre. Whilst the Plan does

not suggest the curtailing of retailing on these

frontages, there should be a presumption in favour of

the change of use between classes within the A

grouping of the Use Classes Order and also in favour

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Northern Area Proposals Pontefract

by public transport will be addressed through the Local

Transport Plan.

The heritage of the town centre provides the greatest

physical asset of the town. Care will need to be taken

to conserve and enhance the buildings and space of the

centre so that they may be fully utilised in contributing

to its economic future.

5.7.3 Policies & Proposals

It is the Council's intention that opportunities for

development within or near the town centre be utilised

to positively assist the regeneration of the centre to face

the commercial pressures of the future. The following

policies and proposals relate specifically to Pontefract

Town Centre and supplement the general policies

incorporated in the Plan where they are appropriate to

the town centre and the activities carried on there.

5.7.4 Shopping

PNT 48 THE COUNCIL WILL TAKE STEPS TO

ENSURE THAT PONTEFRACT TOWN

CENTRE WILL HAVE THE

INFRASTRUCTURE TO PROVIDE A

FULL RANGE OF SHOPPING

OPPORTUNITIES AND WILL BE

SUPPORTIVE OF PROPOSALS TO

IMPROVE RETAILING FACILITIES

PROVIDED THEY ACCORD WITH

OTHER PLANNING POLICIES.

At present, retailing in the town centre has a high

concentration of convenience goods provided through

the markets, two large supermarkets with adjacent car

parking (including one opened in 1990) and a number

of smaller outlets non-individually exceeding 5,000

sq.ft floor space. It is not considered likely that there

will be a demand for any further major food outlets in

the town centre during the Plan period but increased

spending power could lead to an increase in the number

of smaller specialists dealing in both convenience and

comparison goods. The number of small specialist

stores in the town centre has increased in recent years,

witness the Salter Row development, and there is every

reason to believe that a small centrally located

development would be both successful commercially

and capable of making a beneficial contribution to the

range of services in the town centre.

In order that the required range of retailing facilities

can be accommodated within a tightly knit central area,

it is necessary to define a core area in the town centre


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of the provision of leisure and other service uses unless

specific circumstances dictate otherwise. The most

recent new developments in the town centre have been

the redevelopment of Salter Row by small unit shops

opened in the mid-80's and the large supermarket

development by Morrisons to the north of the main

shopping area opened in 1990. The Morrisons proposal

created an opportunity to create a free-standing

supermarket with adjacent car parking facilities located

in close proximity to the town centre.

PNT 51 THE COUNCIL WILL LOOK TO

ACHIEVING A REDEVELOPMENT OF

THE AREA BETWEEN THE NORTHERN

SIDE OF SALTER ROW AND STUART

ROAD, AS SHOWN ON THE

PONTEFRACT TOWN CENTRE INSET

MAP, TO PROVIDE INCREASED

SHOPPING FACILITIES.

The lack of retail warehouse provision, apart from two

small units on Horsefair, evident in Pontefract until

1993, has been rectified through the development of

retail warehouse parks at South Baileygate and Park

Road. In the light of these developments the Council

see no reason to make further allocation for retail

warehousing within Pontefract.

There are in central Pontefract a number of free

standing retail units. These include the Fads and Comet

units on Horsefair and also the Tesco unit which

although having frontage to Cornmarket basically abuts

onto the central car park number 2. Should any of these

units become vacant or be the subject of redevelopment

for retail purposes during the Plan period, no

restrictions should be put on the type of retailing which

could be conducted from them. Elsewhere within the

town centre, but outside the retail core area,

freestanding retail units should not be granted planning

permission on the grounds that firstly they would be

detrimental to the existing retailing core of the town

centre and secondly they could not effectively be

accommodated within the conservation area without

severe environment disturbance.

Local shopping outside the recognised town centre will

be encouraged in accordance with Policy S4 (Volume

1).

5.7.5 Commercial Development

Pontefract is not a significant office centre and the

Council do not anticipate there being any significant

change in demand during the Plan period. Current free

standing offices are largely occupied by public sector

bodies including the local authority, police and health

services. Any new build or conversion for offices in

either A2 or B1 categories of the Use Classes Order

will be required to demonstrate that the travel needs of

its employees will be met through a combination of car

parking up to the maximum permitted standard and

measures to assist access by public transport, cycling

and walking. This requirement can be achieved by the

production of a Green Travel Plan. Locational

requirements should restrict B1 uses to the Industrial

Estates or specified development sites but A2 uses

could be accommodated in the retail area or elsewhere

in the town centre.

Smaller office uses could be accommodated within the

secondary retail area within the retail core subject to

the policy for non-retail development on a retail

frontage being applied. This however, would apply

only to ground floor uses and there should be no

presumption against a first floor commercial use

throughout the primary retailing area regardless of

parking provision.

PNT 52 ANY NEW OFFICE DEVELOPMENT OR

CHANGE OF USE TO OFFICE

PREMISES WILL BE REQUIRED TO

DEMONSTRATE THAT THE TRAVEL

NEEDS OF ITS EMPLOYEES CAN BE

MET THROUGH A COMBINATION OF ON

SITE CAR PARKING, UP TO THE

MAXIMUM PERMITTED STANDARD,

AND MEASURES TO ASSIST ACCESS

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT, CYCLING AND

WALKING. COMMERCIAL

DEVELOPMENT WITHIN USE CLASS A2

WILL BE ACCEPTABLE WITHIN THE

CORE RETAIL AREA SUBJECT TO

OTHER POLICY REQUIREMENTS. THE

USES WITHIN CLASS B1 OF THE USE

CLASSES ORDER WILL IN GENERAL

ONLY BE CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE

ON ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL SITES

OR ON SITES SO SPECIFIED

ELSEWHERE IN THE TOWN CENTRE

PROPOSALS.




access facilities to the Castle grounds and also give

consideration to providing improved pedestrian links

between the Castle and the town centre. It is not

considered likely that there will be any significant

addition to public open space in the town centre during

the period covered by the Plan.

The town centre plays a dominant role in catering for

the indoor leisure pursuits of the population in the

catchment area. Traditionally this has consisted of the

ubiquitous public houses and cinema provision but

recently there has been increased provision of facilities

relating to sporting pursuits and licensed clubs. It is

expected that the role of the town centre in meeting

leisure requirements will remain significant throughout

the Plan period and there is likely to be an increased

demand for sites for such uses. It is suggested that such

developments could be satisfactorily located at ground

floor level within the shopping and commercial level or

at upper floor level within the primary shopping core.

There should be a presumption against such

developments elsewhere in the town centre inset area

unless they are located directly on the primary highway

routes.

5.7.9 Transport

Pontefract town centre has received very significant

environmental and traffic management investment with

the completion of the precinct refurbishment in 1998.

Beastfair has been incorporated into the pedestrianised

zone and treatment of the adjacent yards has provided

links to the car parks off Liquorice Way. The link

between Salter Row and Stuart Road has been

improved for pedestrians. Measures to give greater

priority for pedestrians at Horsefair / Finkle Street and

at Cockpit Lane / Stuart Road have also had the effect

of deterring unnecessary vehicular traffic. This further

assists pedestrian movements between the precinct and

the bus station and the supermarket and car park north

of Stuart Road. Cornmarket has retained some car

parking provision but the surface treatment and layout

dictate a pedestrian-dominated environment. This

comprehensive scheme has therefore achieved a

limitation of traffic movements to access only, with

through traffic being routed along Jubilee Way and

Southgate to the west and south of the town, and

Secondary north to east movements concentrated along

Stuart Road, Headlands Lane, Cockpit Lane, Northgate

and North Baileygate. Any further necessary measures

will be addressed through the Local Transport Plan.

Volume 3

Northern Area Proposals Pontefract

5.7.6 Industry / Warehousing

There are two main concentrations of industry in the

town centre inset area. These lie to the north of Stuart

Road in the north west of the area and south of

Bondgate to the east of the town centre. There are in

addition isolated industrial units located off Watergate,

Southgate and Back Northgate. It is recognised that

these will continue throughout the Plan period. In terms

of new development the town centre is not seen as an

ideal site for industrial or warehousing development

and the Council would have a presumption against

proposals for industrial and warehousing development

in the town centre except for the specific sites

mentioned in Policy PNT 53.

PNT 53 THERE WILL BE A PRESUMPTION

AGAINST NEW INDUSTRIAL AND

WAREHOUSING DEVELOPMENT

WITHIN THE TOWN CENTRE INSET

AREA OTHER THAN IN EXCEPTIONAL

CIRCUMSTANCES UNLESS LOCATED

IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

A) THE EMPLOYMENT ZONE (PNT1)

WHICH COVERS THE BONDGATE

AND SOUTH BAILEYGATE

AREAS.

B) DEVELOPMENT IN THE STUART

ROAD / COLONELS WALK AREA.

C) THE LAND SOUTH OF STATION

ROAD AND EAST OF FRIAR

WOOD LANE COMPRISING THE

FRIAR WOOD CAR PARK AND

BRITISH RAIL LAND TO THE

IMMEDIATE WEST OF THAT.

5.7.8 Leisure & Open Space

Significant public open space in the town centre is

confined to Valley Gardens and the Castle grounds,

both of which are pleasant places where town centre

workers and commuters may relax. Both sites are

separated from the main core of the town centre, the

former by having to cross Southgate, the latter by its

distance from the main shops and neither possess

significant quantities of nearby parking facilities. The

latter is a most significant heritage site and has

considerable potential for further development,

especially related to tourism. The authority will need to

give attention to providing improved parking and



Pontefract Volume 3




On Wednesdays and Saturdays there are open markets

in central Pontefract and the trade generated on these

two days is essential to the wellbeing and commercial

success of the town centre. It is vital that the demand

for access to the town centre should be met and this

will be achieved by a combination of public short stay

car parking provision and improvements to the

attractiveness of public transport, cycling and walking

for shopping journeys. Measures to achieve this will

need to be addressed in any development proposals,

particularly those affecting any of the public car parks.

PNT 56 THE COUNCIL RECOGNISES THE

NEED TO RETAIN AN ADEQUATE

PROVISION OF CAR PARKING FOR

SHOPPERS AND WILL NOT BE

SUPPORTIVE OF SCHEMES TO

DEVELOP PUBLIC CAR PARKS IN THE

TOWN CENTRE UNLESS

SATISFACTORY ALTERNATIVE

PROVISION IS MADE FOR MEETING

THE NEED FOR ACCESSIBILITY TO

THE TOWN CENTRE.

5.7.10 Possible Development Sites

There are a number of sites which the Council envisage

could hold redevelopment opportunities during the

Plan period. The Council would consider applications

to develop these sites on their merits and subject to the

policies described in the Plan. The following

statements give guidance on the types of development

the Council would wish to see take place on specific

sites identified on the Pontefract Town Centre Inset

Map. They will be taken into account when

development proposals are considered.

PNT 57 THE FRIARWOOD CAR PARK/BRITISH

RAIL LAND TO THE REAR This site

is seen as being suitable for industrial, light industrial

or warehousing development. Access to such a

development would be best taken from Station Road

but in view of the importance of the Friarwood car park

any such development on the site would need to make

provision for replacement car parking.

PNT 58 SPINK LANE/MICKLEGATE/BACK

NORTHGATE

This area is probably best suited to residential

development but opportunity could be taken to provide

leisure uses or ancillary services associated with the

Castle Grounds. Part of the area is being developed for

housing association flats.

PNT 59 AREA BETWEEN STUART ROAD AND

SALTER ROW

This area is seen as being the only part of the town

centre well suited to cater for any increased shopping

provision, which could be linked to the primary retail

area. A development of this site could provide a

valuable shopping scheme linking the existing

pedestrian area with the newly constructed Morrisons

supermarket north of Stuart Road. Such a scheme

would need to recognise and incorporate a number of

existing buildings on this site but it is expected that it

would be possible to create additional shopping to the

extent of some 20-25,000 sq. ft. floor space.

PNT 60 JUBILEE WAY/BEASTFAIR SERVICE

ROAD

This area could be seen as one of the softest parts of

the town centre. Any developments in this area which

took away car parking should only be permitted if they

provide an equal amount of car parking to that lost

either within the scheme or elsewhere in close

proximity to the core of the town centre. This site could

well be suited to commercial office, or leisure

development. The site is not seen as suitable for

general retail development, in view of its isolation from

the shopping core nor is it seen as suited for

development of a retail warehouse.








6.6.1 Introduction

Knottingley is generally well served in terms of both

indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, and its sports

centre and swimming pool serve a much wider

population, including the rural areas to the east of the

District. Nevertheless, there are local deficiencies in

general amenity open space, such as in the England

Lane area and the densely populated Simpsons Lane

Estate.


The main opportunity for cycle route development is

by improving the towpaths along the Aire and Calder

Navigation in conjunction with British Waterways.




ROUTE:

KNT 32 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


6.7.1 Introduction

The Retailing Section of Volume 1 details the policies

relating to retail development in the District. There is

no designated town centre within this Community

Area. Development proposals put forward in the

existing shopping centre will be considered in the

context of Policy S1 in Volume 1. Local shops will be

encouraged in accordance with Policy S4.




Volume 3

Northern Area Proposals Knottingley




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First Alteration

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South East Area

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Intentionally blank




The main opportunities for cycle route development are

presented by the Dearne Valley Junction railway and

the Trans Pennine Trial national route. There is an

existing cycle track between Ackworth and Kinsley,

and one which was constructed adjacent to the

Hemsworth Bypass.




HEM 59 DEARNE VALLEY JUNCTION RAILWAY

HEM 60 TRANS PENNINE TRAIL (NATIONAL

CYCLE NETWORK)

2.7.1 Introduction




centres.

2.7.2 Hemsworth Town Centre

HEM 51 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES S1

AND S2 THE RETAIL AREA FOR

HEMSWORTH TOWN CENTRE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE APPROPRIATE

INSET MAP, WITHIN WHICH RETAIL


ENCOURAGED.

This area has been identified on the basis of seeking to

consolidate existing shopping activities within a clearly

defined area, outside of which, they increasingly

become secondary to other primary uses.

Volume 4

South East Area Proposals Hemsworth

2.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies upon recreation and leisure

are outlined in Section 8 of Volume 2.

Although there is a generally adequate distribution of

open space within most settlements in the area there is

the opportunity to increase the provision of open space

and sports facilities on reclaimed derelict land, for

example on Hemsworth colliery tip. The area does lack

a swimming pool and indoor sports facilities to service

all parts of the Community Area.

Vale Head Park serves the Hemsworth area for

facilities such as tennis courts, bowling greens, etc.

Hemsworth Town Council has created a water park on

adjacent land to supplement and link with the existing

facility.


Space


follows:-



FOLLOWING SITE AS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP:

HEM 44 DISUSED RAILWAY CUTTING,

HAVERCROFT

This is the northern section of the cutting which runs

between Cow Lane and Brier Lane. It has been filled to

ground level. Part of this site may be used for amenity

open space and part will be used for agricultural land

HEM 45 SANDYGATE LANE, HEMSWORTH

A notional 1 acre site on the northern edge of

Hemsworth has been allocated as public open space to

meet an identified deficiency in this part of the town.

The land is currently in agricultural use and it is

considered that Supplementary Planning Guidance will

be required to determine the delineation of the sites

boundaries on the ground together with an appropriate

scheme for landscaping and tree planting.

2.6.3 Indoor Leisure Provision

A new library is proposed at Hemsworth to replace the

existing library off Market Street.






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Ackworth Volume 4

South East Area Proposals



3.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on recreation and leisure are

outlined in Section 8 of Volume 2.

The rural landscape within this Community Area

provides a range of informal recreational opportunities

for both local residents and visitors. Within Ackworth

Moor Top footpaths have been created along the line of

the former mineral railway. The Council's 'Milestones'

strategy provides for the protection, improvement and

extension of such facilities in conjunction with Policy

(T19).


The existing library service is centred on Ackworth

with mobile visits to the wider scattered settlements.


There is an existing cycle track between Ackworth and

Kinsley, and one which was constructed adjacent to the

Hemsworth Bypass. Cycle track/bridleway provision

will be made in conjunction with the South East Link

Road scheme.

3.7.1 Introduction

Section 7 of Volume 2 details the policies relating to

retail development in the District. There are no

designated town centres in this Community Area.

Local shops will be encouraged in accordance with

Policy S4.





4.6.3 Playing Fields/Sports Grounds

Section 8 of Volume 2 outlines the advantages of

grouping facilities in accessible locations.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES L1 AND L2

PLAYING FIELDS / ADDITIONAL SPORTS PITCHES

WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING

LOCATIONS, AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS

MAP; SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES:

EMS 47 MINSTHORPE PLAYING FIELDS

The opportunity exists to develop a range of sports

pitches in this location.


The main opportunities for cycle route development are

presented by the disused Hull and Barnsley railway and

The SESKU Ringway. Tracks constructed within the

Upton Colliery reclamation scheme are available for

cyclists to use.




ROUTE:

EMS 75 SESKU RINGWAY.

4.7.1 Introduction




centres.

4.7.2 South Elmsall Town Centre

EMS 56 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES S1

AND S2. THE RETAIL AREA FOR

SOUTH ELMSALL TOWN CENTRE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE APPROPRIATE

INSET MAP, WITHIN WHICH RETAIL


ENCOURAGED.

This area has been identified on the basis of seeking to

consolidate existing shopping activities within a clearly

defined area, outside of which, they increasingly

become secondary to other primary uses.

Volume 4

South East Area Proposals Elmsall

4.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on recreation and leisure are

outlined in Section 8 of Volume 2.

The area is reasonably well provided for in respect of

open space, including parks, although in isolated areas,

particularly where older housing is concentrated, there

is a lack of incidental playing areas.

The settlements have no publicly available indoor

sports facilities at their disposal, although there is a

swimming pool available for public use at Minsthorpe

Community College. There may be opportunities to

develop parts of the areas of derelict land for

recreational use should sites become available during

the Plan period. For example, the former Upton

Colliery site has been restored and a range of recreation

facilities has been provided including sports pitches,

fishing lakes and woodland walks. South Elmsall

brickworks could provide for some open space close to

the town centre.


Space


follows:-



FOLLOWING SITES, AS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAP:

EMS 45 FIELD LANE QUARRY, SOUTH

ELMSALL

Field Lane Quarry is in the process of being filled and

when the site is full it is hoped that 1.1 hectares/2.8

acres east of Valley Avenue can be converted to a

public open space after use.

EMS 46 SULLIVAN GROVE, SOUTH KIRKBY

The Burntwood and Grove Estate area of South Kirkby

has one of the worst open space deficiencies in this

Community Area. As a result some 0.4 hectares/1 acre

of agricultural land has been allocated for public open

space purposes in the expectation that resources might

be available to implement the project within the Plan

period.










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Elmsall Volume 4

South East Area Proposals




In addition, Policy S6 recognises that within 'retail

areas' certain important shopping frontages need a

measure of protection from ad-hoc change of use,

incompatible with their primary shopping purpose.

EMS 57 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY S6,

PRIMARY SHOPPING FRONTAGES

ARE IDENTIFIED ON THE SOUTH

ELMSALL INSET MAP WHERE CHANGE

OF USE TO NON-RETAIL USES WILL

BE RESTRICTED.

The identified frontages represent the principal

shopping frontages in South Elmsall town centre. It is

recognised that certain non-retail uses can enhance the

facilities offered to shoppers, but safeguards are

required to ensure that the predominantly shopping

character of these frontages is not undermined.

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First Alteration

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Western Area

Proposals









2.7.1 Introduction

Section 7.6 of Volume 2 details the policies relating to

retail development in the District. Proposals for

Wakefield City Centre are included in Section 7 of this

volume.

Elsewhere in the Community Area, proposals put

forward in existing district centres will be considered

in the context of Policy S1. Local shops will be

encouraged in accordance with Policy S4.

2.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on leisure are outlined in

Section 8.6 of Volume 2. Generally speaking, North

Wakefield is adequately provided with open space and

playing fields although several local deficiencies are

catered for in the Plan.

2.6.2 Playing Fields/Sports Grounds

Section 8.6 of Volume 2 outlines the advantages of

grouping facilities in accessible locations.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES L1 AND L2

ADDITIONAL SPORTS PITCHES WILL BE

PROVIDED IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATION, AS

SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, SUBJECT TO

AVAILABLE RESOURCES:

NWS 56 FERRY LANE, PLAYING FIELDS

STANLEY FERRY

Additional pitches to be provided.


In addition to the provision of cycle tracks and cycle

lanes within the highway, principally to encourage

more cycle commuting, the main opportunities for

cycle network development include a Wakefield to

Leeds route through Stanley, Outwood and Lofthouse

Gate, The Aire and Calder Cycleway (from Dewsbury

to Castleford), The Trans Pennine Trail national route,

a north Wakefield orbital route connecting several

major development sites, and a Wakefield to

Normanton route skirting Welbeck.




NWS 79 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


Part of the cycle route is shown on the Wakefield City

Centre Inset Map.

NWS 80 WAKEFIELD - LEEDS ROUTE

NWS 81 TRANS PENNINE TRAIL (NATIONAL

CYCLE NETWORK)

NWS 82 NORTH WAKEFIELD ORBITAL

CYCLEWAY

NWS 83 A642 ABERFORD ROAD

NWS 84 RIDINGS ESTATE - OUTWOOD

2.6 LEISURE PROPOSALS 2.7 RETAILING PROPOSALS

North Wakefield & Stanley Volume 5

Western Area Proposals



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3.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on leisure, relating to the

provision of open space, concentration of pitches and

the pursuit of dual-use of school playing fields and

facilities are outlined in Section 8.6 of Volume 2. Most

of the Community Area has an adequate provision of

public open space, the exception being south Horbury.

Although the extended community use of Horbury

High School has been implemented, there is an under

provision of indoor sports facilities in this Community

Area, particularly to serve Ossett.





cycle network development include The Aire and

Calder Cycleway (from Dewsbury to Castleford) and

the north Wakefield orbital route connecting several

major development sites. There is an existing Horbury

to Wakefield cycle route.




ROUTE:

OH 35 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


3.7.1 Introduction

Section 7.6 of Volume 2 details the policies, which are



centres.

3.7.2 Horbury and Ossett Town

Centres

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES S1 AND S2

RETAIL AREAS FOR THE FOLLOWING TOWN

CENTRES ARE IDENTIFIED ON THEIR

APPROPRIATE INSET MAPS, WITHIN WHICH

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT WILL GENERALLY BE

ENCOURAGED:

OH 26 OSSETT TOWN CENTRE

OH 27 HORBURY TOWN CENTRE



within a clearly defined area, outside of which, they



In addition, Policy S6 in Volume 1, recognises that

within "retail areas" certain important shopping

frontages need a measure of protection from ad-hoc

change of use, incompatible with their primary

shopping purpose.

OH 28 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY S6, A

PRIMARY RETAIL FRONTAGE IS

IDENTIFIED ON THE OSSETT INSET

MAP WHERE CHANGES OF USE TO

NON-RETAIL USES WILL BE

RESTRICTED.

The area identified on the inset map is the site of a

proposed shopping mall. Other shopping frontages in

Ossett are considered to be too fragmented to qualify as

a primary shopping frontage.


Local shops, outside the recognised town centres will

be encouraged in accordance with Policy S4.



Volume 5

Western Area Proposals Ossett/Horbury







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SEW 49 BROAD CUT, CALDER GROVE

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AREA

The area around Broad Cut will be safeguarded from

any development, which would prejudice its potential

for increased canal based recreational use.





cycle network development include The Waterways

Route (from Dewsbury to Castleford), and the Trans

Pennine Trail national route, around Pugneys Country

Park and within the Special Policy site north of Denby

Dale Road.




SEW 65 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


Part of the cycle route is shown on the Wakefield City

Centre Inset Map.

SEW 66 WAKEFIELD - DURKAR ROUTE

SEW 67 JUNCTION 39 CYCLEWAY

SEW 68 PUGNEYS

SEW 69 TRANS PENNINE TRAIL


SEW 70 WAKEFIELD - NORMANTON ROUTE

4.7.1 Introduction



designated town centres within this Community Area.

Development proposals put forward in existing district

centres will be considered in the context of Policy S1.

Local shops will be encouraged in accordance with

Policy S4.

4.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on leisure are stated in

Section 8.6 of Volume 2. Pugneys Country Park has

become established and the landfill site at Portobello

has been completed. Together they provide a major

area of recreational land. Enhancement works are in

hand on the access track that flanks Portobello estate

and the bridges that cross Pugneys Drain. Additional

facilities will be encouraged within specified

recreational opportunity areas (see SEW 47, SEW 48

and SEW 49). These recreation areas will also be

linked by enhanced footpaths to other recreation areas

in the south, including Newmillerdam Country Park.

4.6.3 Countryside Leisure

In this Community Area the main countryside leisure

feature occurs in the Pugneys area where the former

opencast coal site has been restored in the form of two

lakes. The Council recognise that the area has unique

potential for the creation of a major recreation area,

and consider this to be in general terms, compatible

with Green Belt policy. Planning applications for

development will be considered on their merits.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES L5 & L7 THE

FOLLOWING AREAS AS SHOWN ON THE

PROPOSALS MAPS ARE CONSIDERED SUITABLE

FOR COUNTRYSIDE LEISURE USES COMPATIBLE

WITH THEIR DESIGNATION UNDER POLICIES OL1,

AND OL2 OF THE PLAN:

SEW 47 DENBY DALE ROAD RECREATIONAL

OPPORTUNITY AREA

This is an area of former sand and gravel workings

where operations have ceased. Recreational uses

complementary to the adjoining ‘Pugneys Recreation

Area’ would be most appropriate in this location.

SEW 48 CASTLE FARM/DURKAR LOW LANE

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY AREA

This land is currently in agricultural use and adjoins the

Pugneys Recreation Area along its eastern and southern

boundaries. Whilst there are at present no firm public

or private proposals for recreation in this area, it is

considered that such development would be

sympathetically viewed if and when specific schemes

are put forward. However, it will be necessary to

ensure that any development is compatible with the

Green Belt designation for the area.



South & East Wakefield Volume 5













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5.6.1 Introduction

Most of the Community Area is adequately served with

public open space and playing fields.


The rebuilding of Crofton High School in 1998 gave

the opportunity for a joint school/community library to

be included in the new building.

5.6.4 Cycle Routes Network

The main opportunities for cycle network development

include the Trans Pennine Trial national route and the

disused Dearne Valley Junction railway.




WCS 47 TRANS PENNINE TRAIL


WCS 48 DEARNE VALLEY JUNCTION RAILWAY

5.7.1 Introduction



designated town centres or district centres in this

Community Area. Local shops will be encouraged in

accordance with Policy S4.



Volume 5

Western Area Proposals Walton/Crofton/Sharlston








6.6.1 Introduction

Information and policies on leisure are outlined in

Section 8.6 of Volume 2. A major feature of this

Community Area is its location within a countryside

belt to the south of Wakefield, which offers significant

potential in terms of development as a recreation area

for the whole of the District. Within this belt a number

of recreation areas will be developed and established

Country Parks further enhanced, such as at Bretton and

Newmillerdam. Better links between facilities will be

sought through the establishment of an enhanced

footpath network and improved and co-ordinated

public transport.

6.6.2 Footpaths

As described in Section 8.6 of Volume 2 the Council

supports the establishment of a comprehensive footpath

network.

As part of the Council’s ‘Milestones’ strategy it is

anticipated that further footpaths will be enhanced to

form a clearly defined network within the Community

Area.

6.6.3 Cycle Routes Network

The main opportunities for cycle network development

include the Waterway Route and the Chevet Branch

Line disused railway.




SWR 44 AIRE AND CALDER CYCLEWAY


SWR 45 TRANS PENNINE TRAIL


SWR 46 CHEVET BRANCH LINE

6.7.1 Introduction



designated town centres or district centres in this

Community Area. Local shops will be encouraged in

accordance with Policy S4.



South Wakefield Rural Volume 5









The Wakefield City Centre proposals and associated

reasoned justification have been replaced by policies in

the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan. However,

polices L1-L3 and L5-L7 and associated reasoned

justification still apply to the area until replaced by the

relevant development plan document.

The Wakefield City Centre proposals and associated

reasoned justification have been replaced by policies in

the Central Wakefield Area Action Plan. However,

polices S1-S6 and associated reasoned justification still

apply to the area until replaced by the relevant

development plan document.

LEISURE PROPOSALS

RETAILING PROPOSALS


Volume 5

Western Area Proposals Wakefield City Centre

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