A hospital has applied for planning permission to build a wetland near its helipad.

The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust plans to create seven ponds in a field near Pinderfields Hospital helipad to promote biodiversity.

According to documents submitted to Wakefield Council, the plan would include seven “seasonal pools”, including four deeper pools in the centre of the complex.

Pinderfields is a major trauma centre and has a helipad near the emergency department.

The application states: “The ponds could fill up naturally and become populated with native animal and plant species without the need for intervention or management. This would increase local biodiversity the most.”

The 540 square meter site would be located near North Avenue, outside the no-helicopter landing zone, which must be kept clear for safety reasons.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the program includes repairing hedges near the site and installing signage and flotation devices or life jackets to ensure safety.

The ponds would have different sizes, the application states.

The plan also includes the construction of a fence made of tree trunks that will be felled as part of a management program on the hospital grounds.

The document goes on to say: “Site safety is an important consideration when incorporating water bodies on the site.”

“Although the helipad is private property, the area around it is not secured because there are entrances through which private individuals, especially dog ​​owners, have access.”

No date has yet been set for reviewing the application.

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