Residents 'already moving away' over shock development plans in Barnsley town

A Pilley man is concerned that residents were not properly consulted before a masterplan was approved opening the door to a distribution ‘mega-hub’ and 100 homes.
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Neil Thompson says the new Hoyland West Masterplan - which has identified 49.3 ha for employment land and 100 new homes - did not suitably engage residents before it was rubber-stamped at a council meeting on September 24.

Parcel delivery giant Hermes has already applied to build a "mega hub" on land off Sheffield Road in Hoyland. It would create up to 2,000 jobs, according to the firm.

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Although Barnsley Council undertook a seven week public consultation on the plans, Mr Thompson says many residents were unaware, as much of the consultation was online.

Land off Sheffield Road Hoyland, where Hermes has applied to build a "mega-hub". Pic: Danielle AndrewsLand off Sheffield Road Hoyland, where Hermes has applied to build a "mega-hub". Pic: Danielle Andrews
Land off Sheffield Road Hoyland, where Hermes has applied to build a "mega-hub". Pic: Danielle Andrews

He said: "There isn't really much process that involves engagement with local residents. The masterplan has gone through and been approved, without, in my opinion, suitable engagement with with stakeholders, especially residents.

"You're going to have what is effectively one of the biggest courier distribution services planted on what is a very nice piece of land.

"I'm all for the recovery of the area, but it's just not suitable for that type of site. People are already moving away from the area.”

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However, the council says the land was allocated for development in Barnsley's 2019 local plan.

A council spokesperson said: "The supporting masterplans for Hoyland have all included a six-week consultation period, with residents able to provide feedback. They allow the council to then set out clear expectations for development.

"Masterplan proposals for Hoyland North, South and West during the six-week consultation period, included surveys, community events, live Q and As (in response to Covid-19), which have been promoted across all online channels, and within local communities. Residents and businesses within 250 metres also received letters at the start of consultation.

"Detailed information on the framework proposals and FAQs have been made available prior to each consultation period."

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The council adds that plans were scrutinised by the Secretary of State's planning inspector, and following a two-year examination, found that "allocating land within the Green Belt was unavoidable."

"It is important to consider that vast quantities of our brownfield land have been returned to the green belt. Almost every former pit stack is now acres of public, open green space," added the spokesperson.