A huge housing project in Castleford is set to move a step closer next week, with plans to build over a thousand homes in the town being recommended for approval. The proposal, which will go before councillors next week, could see 1,400 new residential homes being built in a massive boost for housing within West Yorkshire.

The project forms part of a wider £750m regeneration project backed by Wakefield Council – and they’ll be sharing further details of their development project at the Transforming West Yorkshire Conference in Leeds on the 19th June.

The site of the residential development is situated centrally to the town, on the 64-acre former Nestle & Hicksons & Welch plot. HOW Planning, on behalf of Castleford Riverside Regeneration Ltd, submitted initial plans to Wakefield Council back in August 2017 – with the proposal highlighting opportunities for mixed-use development space too, along with extra care provision and a new local centre.

More than 3,000 sq ft of space is incorporated for retail usage and up to 7,000 sq ft space for professional services use. The development would also provide more than 10,000 sq ft of health and crèche facilities and 15,000 sq ft of extra care provision – with a hotel also a possible development within the plans.

The scheme will now go before the Council’s planning and highways committee on the 24th May – and the recommendation for approval, subject to conditions, will leave those involved in the project predicting positive news, which would give the green light for demolition of existing buildings and all other necessary remediation works to be moved forward.

The report highlighting the recommendation for development on the brownfield site said: ”The delivery of the residential-led scheme will support the provision of housing across the district identified in the development plan and expenditure from new residents will support the economic performance of Castleford and the wider district. Subject to careful consideration of the layout, scale, appearance and landscaping of the site at detailed reserved matters stage, it is considered that the proposals would enhance the quality of housing environment for existing residents and provide and acceptable level of amenity for future residents. The minor commercial uses proposed would not conflict with the provision of housing and further support the regeneration of the area.”

It’s estimated that the development could support 100 full-time equivalent jobs in the town, and increased spending from new residents could have a huge impact on economic growth whilst also creating job roles through the building of employment space, a hotel, care home and a proposed health centre and crèche. That’s on top of the likely 330 jobs per year within the construction period – likely to take place over 10 years.

Make sure you’re at the Transforming West Yorkshire Conference to hear above the ambitious plans, alongside Wakefield Council, Department for International Trade, City & Provincial and Calderdale Council.