00:00Plans for 151 new canal-side homes in Wakefield have been approved, despite concerns over
00:07wildlife habitat loss. Wakefield Council's planning committee backed the development
00:12at City Fields, which is next to the air and calder navigation. Narrowboat residents warned
00:18councillors the scheme could destroy natural habitats, with concerns also raised about
00:24missing wildlife surveys and added pressure on local roads and services.
00:28The development will include one to four bedroom homes, with a developer required to contribute
00:34almost £1 million towards biodiversity. The application was approved after five committee
00:41members voted in favour, while five abstained.
