you are here: Home   >   Residential PIT YARD SUSTAINABLE LOCATION The site lies in a highly sustainable location in that residents can access alternative modes of transport (train, bus, cycle and foot) and hence the proposals minimise the need for long distance commuting particularly by the private car. RESIDENTIAL UNIT NUMBERS The Pit Yard masterplan includes the proposal of 913 dwellings on the previously developed site. This provides a density across the residential elements of the proposal of approximately 44-45 units per hectare which is an effective and efficient use of previously developed land and in line PPG3 which promotes development over 30 dwellings per hectare (dph) with particular consideration been given to design and the wider context. The proposed indicative mix would ensure that a range of accommodation types are secured but will also ensure that a varied price range of new build accommodation can be provided in varying tenures – market housing, shared equity and socially rented properties. As such this will ensure a truly mixed and fully integrated community is formed and broaden the housing provision in Pontefract. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PPG3 states that the government believes in creating mixed and balanced communities, which offer a choice of housing and lifestyle. On the basis that the scheme will provide 913 dwellings, the applicants, UK COAL have agreed to provide 230 of these dwellings as affordable units, which equates to 25.2% of the total housing provision i.e. more than a quarter of the proposed dwellings will be affordable. This will be provided as a 65% / 35% split between shared equity housing (150 units) and socially rented units (80) within the scheme and will be reflected in the Section 106 Agreement. This proposed provision follows detailed talks with Yvette Coopoer MP and the local authority’s Sustainable Communities Directorate. Wakefield Council’s SPG on Affordable Housing states that approximately 1,374 affordable houses were needed in 2004, however, based on the schemes eligible to provide affordable housing, only a maximum of 100 units in any one year are expected to be able to be delivered. As such a provision of 25.2% affordable homes on a major development site, providing 230 affordable units of mixed size and tenure (to be agreed during the course of the determination of the planning application) will be of considerable benefit to the district and make a considerable contribution to the level of affordable homes required to meet the high demand. The proposed affordable housing provision is fully in line with current national and regional guidance and exceeds local policy and guidance expectations. DELIVERY PARTNERS the site. The affordable housing will be provided through a combination of discrete parcels and pepper potting through out the scheme in order to provide a truly mixed and sustainable community. DTZ are currently preparing a Housing Market Assessment (HMA) on behalf of the Applicants that is intended to inform decisions about appropriate dwelling sizes and target groups for affordable housing accommodation. Please note – no residential units are proposed on the Spoil Heap