Green light for 1,000 new homes in South Yorkshire following council debate

One of three masterplans that will change the face of Hoyland has been approved by Barnsley Council, despite criticism from opposition councillors and members of the public.
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Councillors adopted the Hoyland South masterplan framework at a meeting on November 26.

The plans will see up to 1,116 new homes, a new primary school, community hubs and active travel routes, as well as the relocation of the Rockingham Sports Centre to Parkside Road.

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A new Hermes “Colossus” hub – the largest of its kind in Europe was approved as part of a separate masterplan for Hoyland West, much to some residents’ dismay.

The controversial plans were hotly debated at the full council meeting, with Lib Dem Councillor Peter Fielding telling the meeting that residents felt they had not been listened to.

Speaking during the full council meeting last week, Councillor Tim Cheetham said: “It’s mainly around employment and housing sites, and never has that been more pertinent than currently, with the economic challenges that we are facing.

“The relocation of Rockingham Sports Ground will also provide some real up-to-date sport and community facilities for residents to enjoy.

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“As with all developments it’s not universally popular, with an online petition that has reached just over 2,000 signatures, to stop development in the three masterplan frameworks.”

Councillor Peter Fielding, Barnsleys’ Liberal Democrat councillor representing Dodworth said: “The concerns of 2,000 petitioners is just summarily dismissed. These people simply want to be heard.

Residents don’t feel that as though they have been adequately involved in the production of plans at an early stage.

“It feels like the council and developers are imposing plans on the residents.”

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However, Labour Councillor Jeff Ennis defended the process, saying the job opportunities the plan would create are much needed.

“You never get unanimous agreement about any planning application, particularly when it’s such a huge issue as this one is,” he added.

Labour Councillor Jim Andrews BEM, deputy leader of the council also defended the plan, telling the meeting that jobs and houses are needed.

“This is the perfect site. The masterplan will allow us to control the developments. If we keep, like the liberals want, suppressing jobs and suppressing houses, [future generations] will have to move to Wakefield, or Sheffield,” he added.

“For god’s sake, lets give these kids a chance.”

Labour Councillor Robert Frost warned: “If we don’t pass this masterplan, the development will still go ahead, but we’ll end up with a piecemeal development that’s substandard, so it’s vital that this goes through.”

Council Leader, Councillor Sir Stephen Houghton CBE said: “This is not simply a one-sided argument between the council and elements of the community, it’s clearly the council’s job to make sure that we take the overall strategic interest of the borough, as well as the local community into account.”

The masterplan was adopted by the council, with 45 councillors in favour of the motion, and five against.

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More detailed plans are now expected to be submitted for the council’s consideration.

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