Flass Lane, Castleford | A Project by Harworth Group plc

Overview & Vision

Harworth is bringing forward multiple parcels of land for residential development and various complementary commercial uses in a strategically located and increasingly established suburb of Castleford.

The Flass Lane site, now known as Micklefields, is a previously undeveloped site that had been used for agricultural purposes.

In November 2015, Harworth secured outline planning permission from Wakefield Council to create a scheme of 560 new homes, a family pub and an element of employment space. This vision was strategically planned to complement the sub-urban location and the needs of the local area.

With the increasing interest from housebuilders, the vision has since been developed to further enhance the residential elements of the scheme and the sense of community by incorporating a mix of compatible and complementary commercial uses that will not only be of benefit to the residents of Micklefields but also to those that live in the immediate area.

Development Progress

Following the grant of planning permission, an earthworks strategy was implemented to create development plateaus and begin the process for providing infrastructure to facilitate the sale of serviced development land parcels.

The provision of a new site access and bespoke entrance feature was also delivered, in addition to bringing utilities to the site and forming a site-wide sustainable urban drainage system pond.

In 2017, the first land parcel was sold to Keepmoat Homes to build 157 three- and four-bedroom homes, which are now close to completion. In early 2019, the second land parcel was sold to Strata Homes to build 250 three- and four-bedroom homes over the next few years. In December 2020 Harworth sold the final phase of housing land to Avant Homes to build 140 new homes.

Land sales have been made possible as a result of the £6m Glasshoughton Southern Link Road, providing a new access to the site and reducing congestion in the local area. This new road, funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund, will extend from Whistler Drive and link with Flass Lane and the M62.