Doncaster Council planning committee has given permission for the scheme which would see 66 homes created, with a central block rising to four storeys in an area which one councillor described as a small village.

Council officers described the tallest section of the development as a landmark at the junction of Hurst Lane and Hayfield Lane.

But concerns have now been raised that the council may be happy putting such tall 'landmarks' in other villages across the borough.

In all, 51 letters of objection had been submitted to the council protesting about Pro Run Ltd Plans.

And Coun Eric Tatton-Kelly warned the buildings were out of keeping with the location, near former RAF houses which were once used by officers at the former Finningley air base.

He said: "This is a village - the locals call it Hayfield. Are we being told that to put four-storey flats there respects its setting? Well, it does not in my eyes.

"I don't see corners of villages being given landmarks like this. I don't see this being done to Kirk Bram-with, and I don't think it is any different here."

Kirk Bramwith is a rural village in the North of Doncaster well known for the snowdrop festival held at its St Mary's Church.

Coun Tatton-Kelly also warned the scheme could mean footpaths would be lost to the village which had been in use for 40 years.

Director of planning Andy Gutherson said the council would not be looking to put landmark buildings up in every village.

He said: "In this case we were of the opinion that is was appropriate. It's horses for courses."

The committee was also told 26 per cent of the flats in the scheme would be low-cost "affordable" homes.







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