Housing plans lodged for safeguarded land in Wombwell

An outline planning application has been submitted for a housing development on safeguarded land in Wombwell.

Residents previously criticised the scheme proposed for land south of Pit Lane, saying it would mean losing valued green space and negatively affect wildlife and infrastructure.

Developers Crest Nicholson said the project would deliver “much-needed” family homes and high-quality accommodation for a range of users.

Wombwell councillors Brenda Eastwood, Robert Frost and James Higginbottom said in a joint statement that they felt safeguarded sites should not be brought forward during the current Local Plan period.

The Local Plan examines how a town or city will develop over the next 15 years, with land allocated for housing, industry or green space.

According to Barnsley Metropolitan Council’s Local Plan, 21,546 new homes need to be built by 2033, of which 1,370 are to be developed within the Wombwell area.

In the application, developers said: “The scheme would provide a number of economic, social and environmental benefits which all contribute towards achieving sustainable development, in accordance with local and national planning policies.”

The majority of the site off Pit Lane is designated to be protected from development until 2033, the Wombwell councillors said.

In a joint statement issued to the BBC, they said: “Developing safeguarded sites during the lifetime of the current Local Plan risks undermining the Local Plan as a whole.

“Residents in the consultation area will now have their opportunity to take part in the consultation exercise and we would strongly encourage everyone to have their say.”

The land, which is currently used for farming and is located opposite ancient woodland, frequently attracts wildlife.

Residents living in nearby Windmill Road and Windmill Court previously told the BBC that they feared the scheme would devalue their homes, worsen traffic conditions and negatively affect local services.

While many acknowledged the need for more houses, they felt more suitable options were available in the area.

In documents submitted with the application, developers evidenced that the council was unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

Councils are required to plan for enough new homes to meet housing needs over the Local Plan period.

Not having a five-year housing land supply tilts the planning decision-making process in favour of approving developments, even if a proposal is in conflict with Local Plan policies.

The local authority did not comment on this when asked.

Instead, it issued the following statement on behalf of Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture.

He said: “We acknowledge receipt of the planning application for land off Pit Lane, which is currently undergoing public consultation.

“The council will undertake a thorough assessment of the material planning considerations, taking into account all consultation responses and representations submitted during the consultation period.”

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson said: “The development aims to deliver much-needed family homes to the area, along with new public open space and sustainable pedestrian and cycle connections.

“Improvements to local infrastructure are being considered as part of the planning process.

“Feedback from local stakeholders and residents has also been sought prior to the application’s submission.”