Developer reveals Wakefield ambitions

West Yorkshire firm AAA Property Group has launched consultation on proposals for 420,000 sq ft of industrial development and 100 mixed-tenure homes at Broad Cut Farm.

AAA wants to build on former agricultural space close to Calder Grove and the Calder Park employment area, close to Junction 39 of the M1.

The site is adjacent to the River Calder and the Calder-Hebble Navigation. AAA is working with planner Spawforths, which submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping report in late 2023 ahead of the current process.

A community event held yesterday at the Navigation Inn kicked off the consultation process, which will run until 5 August. Feedback is also invited at the consultation website.

AAA said that the scheme could add £6.3m GVA during the construction phase and £40m to £46m once operational, with up to 780 jobs brought to the area.

The developer added that the area would be improved by the opening up of green spaces for public use, including walking and cycle paths, as well as making a contribution to addressing Wakefield’s housing need.

Three other developments will be considered by the local council this week that could add a further 800 homes to the borough.

Wakefield’s adopted Local Plan includes the Broad Cut Farm site as a mixed-use special policy area, designated for residential development and an advanced manufacturing park.

The site, from which Green Belt status has been removed, has also been designated as a spatial priority area and ‘future growth location’ by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

AAA intends to submit outline plans later this summer, leading to reserved matters next year and a start on site in 2026.

Amar Chima, director at AAA, said: “We’re looking forward to meeting with the community during the consultation process, and would encourage them to share their views with us on our proposals for Broad Cut Farm.

“As a West Yorkshire-based business, we’re proud of our roots here in the region and we’re here to invest for the long term. At Broad Cut Farm, we have the opportunity collectively to create a place that can enable everyone to thrive and prosper; that creates jobs, homes, and drives both economic and social benefits right into the heart of our communities.”