Major development will go ahead on former Dinnington Miners’ Welfare ground after Secretary of State’s decision

Permission was granted for 151 houses on the site by Rotherham Council in October, and the decision was called in to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government – who has the power to take over the determination of the application, and overturn the decision.

However, officials on behalf of the Secretary of State decided not to call in the decision – meaning that the works can now go ahead.

More than 30 letters of representation were received from individual addresses including one from the Dinnington Town Council, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and MP Alexander Stafford.

One objector stated: “It is wrong that this piece of land, paid for by the miners, should be lost for future generations.”

“It is wrong that CISWO and RMBC allowed this site to be run down andbecome derelict,” added another.

Other reasons given for objections include traffic congestion and lack of school, dentist and GP places.

Planning documents from the applicant state that the site is “unmanaged grassland with a disused multi-use hardcourt”, and was formerly used as a recreation ground for Dinington Miners’ Welfare.

A report by planning officers states that the site was previously used as a sports ground but has not been used for approximately 10 years, and the previous buildings have been demolished.

More than £1m has been proposed in S106 money from the developer, to fund education; sports facility improvements at Dinnington High School and/or Dinnington Rugby Club; and sustainable travel.