Outline permission granted for up to 70 Rotherham homes – despite objections

The outline permission means developers will need to submit detailed proposals for the site to be approved by Rotherham Council at a later date.

The plans for the land on the Eastern side of Brecks Lane received 90 representations from residents in neighbouring properties, including a number of objections on the grounds of lack of infrastructure, loss of privacy, detrimental impact on wildlife and increased demand for school places.

The land, which was formerly green belt land, has been earmarked for development in the council's local plan.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's planning board, member of the public Deborah Cox objected to the application, stating that it would pose a ‘danger to life’.

She told the virtual meeting: “My main concern is the health and safety of residents around this area already so there's a risk of danger to life. Brecks Lane will be even busier.

“It backs up traffic on Monday to Friday, and people use Belcourt Road as well as a thoroughfare to get to Wickersely and that kind of area up to the motorway.”

Ms Cox also said there could be a danger to children who attend the Scout hut on Bell Court Road when crossing the road.

She said: “The blind bend is going to be a worry. Brecks Lane is still going to be too narrow to cater for the amount of traffic that's going to be on there.”

As part of the scheme, the developers propose to extend the existing 30mph speed limit northwards by about 100 metres.

Janet Hodson, who addressed the meeting on behalf of the applicant, said: “We are conscious of objections from nearby residents, but have worked with the planning team to ensure all of the development issues relating to highways, drainage, ecology and resident's amenity have been met in accordance with the best common practice.”

As part of the permission, developers will be expected to make contributions to Wickersley Sports College, set aside 25 per cent of the homes for affordable housing and pay a £35,685 contribution to South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, and £500 per dwelling towards sustainable travel measures.

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