Concerns raised about council consultation in light of plans for 460 homes in Penistone

A Penistone councillor has raised concerns about a lack of scrutiny of development plans due lockdown.
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Coun Hannah Kitching, who represents Penistone West ward and is leader of Barnsley Liberal Democrats, argued consultation periods should be lengthened during the lockdown.

Having previously spoken out against plans to build 460 homes on Wellhouse Lane in the ward, she says she does not see why standard timescales need to be adhered to during this period of uncertainty.

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The site, by Halifax Road and Wellhouse Lane, was earmarked for housing by Barnsley Council in its local plan, but has faced opposition from residents, who say a development of this size is unsuitable for the area.

Hannah Kitching - Liberal Demnocrats Hannah Kitching - Liberal Demnocrats
Hannah Kitching - Liberal Demnocrats

If approved, the Barratt and David Wilson Homes development would increase the size of Penistone by 10 per cent.

Although plans were submitted before lockdown, the situation has made it hard for some elderly residents to scrutinise the plans online.

Coun Kitching said: “The government has insisted local authorities stick to the timescale of a 21-day period of consultation.

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“There’s no reason why planning can’t be suspended during this period of crisis, and there’s no excuse for a ‘normal’ planning process at this time.

“There are lots of questions surrounding the timing of these plans - if it does get to the council's planning board, the board is currently reduced.

“My gripe really is with the government - it would be reasonable to relax planning guidelines and arbitrary targets. We are entering a different world, and there needs to be some flexibility.

“I'm not against development, but there are objections to a development of this size in this location.”

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Barrett Homes says it has stuck to formal procedure when submitting the application and carrying out public consultation.

A Barratt Homes Yorkshire West spokesman said: “We strongly object to the accusations of taking advantage of reduced capacity within the council.

“We have completed significant consultation to date and in submitting our planning application we have followed national and local guidance. On January 23, we held a public consultation at St John’s Community Centre, Penistone.

“After this, we took time to reflect upon the feedback and made amendments where possible.

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“We submitted the planning application on February 24, four weeks prior to lockdown and the period for formal consultation started.

“The government has made it clear the planning system should operate as normally as possible, to encourage much-needed housing delivery.

“The council is rightly taking steps to progress the application as swiftly as possible.

“We remain committed to continuing dialogue with councillors, residents and other stakeholders on this application. Once all consultation comments are received we will digest them and make amendments to our scheme where appropriate to address concerns”

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Coun Tim Cheetham, council cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture,said: “The council received a planning application for residential development at land off Halifax Road, Penistone, on February 24 and it was validated on April 9.

“Following government advice to provide the best possible service in these difficult times, 206 letters were distributed to residents, eight site notices were put up in the area and adverts were included in the local press which meets recommended guidelines.”

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