More than 280 homes in Dinnington set to be approved despite objections

Plans for the homes at Oldcotes Road, Dinnington are recommended for approval at Rotherham Council’s planning board meeting on March 18.

If approved, Harron Homes will build the 285 houses on an 11 hectares site previously used as farm land.

If approved, Harron Homes would also provide 70 affordable homes for affordable rent and shared ownership, as well as S106 contributions of £69,558 towards off-site affordable housing, £142,500 towardssustainable travel, £28,000 towards the maintenance and protection of Throapham Orchard, and £666,125 towards education provision

The 60mph speed limit on Oldcotes Road would also be reduced to 30mph“beyond the extents of the proposed development.”

More than 60 letters of representation were received by the council, with residents objecting to the extra traffic, lack of bungalows, pressure on schools, gp surgeries and other infrastructure, lack of police presence and the visual impact of the development.

One respondent stated: “Why was there no engagement with residents prior to the application from Harron Homes?”

Another added: “Dinnington is a place that is plagued by lack of a road infrastructure built to cope with the amount of traffic that already runs through and round it.”

Dinnington St John’s Town Council have objected to the scheme on a number of grounds, including: insufficient infrastructure, safety of Oldcotes Road, and the negative impact of the new homes on wildlife.

The Town Council also wrote to RMBC to state that they believed the plans contravenes the government’s National Planning Policy Framework by not utilising brownfield sites first.

Councillor John Vjestica, who represents Dinnington for RMBC has objected to the plan, stating that the additional traffic “could present a hazard and the safety of pedestrians and vehicles”, the developent should include bungalows, and that “the number of properties should be reduced to increase the amount of open space.“

Councillor Jeanette Mallinder, who also represents Dinnington, commented that the develper should consider “reducing the amount of properties to increase access to open space”, and that a play area should be provided on site.

Ten people have requested to speak at the meeting, which will be held virtually.