Doncaster council gives new homes plan green light despite opposition from residents

Plans for the Unity Project, located between Hatfield and Stainforth.

The Unity project will see over 3,000 new houses built, in addition to new community facilities, shops and industrial developments.

Despite opposition to the proposals from residents, Doncaster Council’s planning committee gave the plans the go-ahead at a meeting on Tuesday.

The development, which will be built across land in Stainforth, Hatfield and Dunscroft, has been heralded by Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones

“The Unity project is another fantastic step forward in the delivery of new housing, jobs and growth to our borough, and I am very pleased to see planning permission granted for the scheme,” said Mayor Jones.

She added: “The extensive range of new facilities and developments will help to create a vibrant new area, as well as helping to deliver job opportunities to surrounding neighbourhoods.”

A number of Hatfield residents say they are opposed to the project, which was formerly called the DN7 project, for several of reasons including the fact that some of the development will be built on greenfield land.

Commenting in a letter of opposition to the council, a spokesperson for Hatfield residents said the main issues surrounded the potential loss of green fields, areas of special scientific interest and ancient public rights of way, and areas where residents enjoy walking their dogs, riding horses, cycling and generally being part of a semi rural environment.

He said: “If developed as suggested the air quality would reduce substantially in an area already close to the M18 and close to flight paths for Doncaster airport.”

Hatfield residents also raised concerns about linking the Hatfield and Stainforth communities, due to them being ‘completely different settlements’.

Coun Iris Beech, Chair of Planning Committee, told the Free Press: “We have carefully scrutinised the plans and are satisfied that the development will be undertaken in a responsible way, helping to minimise the disruption to countryside while still delivering a valuable new community development.

“This project will deliver new business and much needed employment opportunities for local people.”

Land between Hatfield, Stainforth, Dunscroft, Dunsville and the M18 will be developed by contractors Marcol Waystone LLP during the project - with hopes of transforming it into a brand new community, complete with a school and business park.