Residents’ protest over 2,000 new homes plan for Barnsley

Cabinet members today (June 2), approved the public consultation of the long-awaited plan.

The publication of the Carlton Masterplan Framework revealed that more dwellings will be built on sites between Fish Dam Lane and Carlton Road, and Shaw Lane.

It would see around 2,000 new homes, 210 more spaces at Carlton Primary School and shop.

Councillor Sharon Howard urged members of the public to take part in the consultation to have their say on the site, which will be held online.

An online petition has gained almost 500 signatures to stop the development, stating that it would serve “no tangible benefit to our community”, and would have a “detrimental impact to both physical and mental health of the existing community.”

Protesters are concerned that wildlife will be displaced from the nearby Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve, part of the Dearne Valley Wetlands which has been notified as a site of special scientific interest by Natural England.

Campaigner Lynn Dixon said there are concerns around increased pollution, noise, a reduction in air quality, congestion, loss of wildlife including bats, the toll of the development on resident’s physical and mental health, and a reduction in the existing buffer zone between Carlton, Monk Bretton and Cudworth.

“We all know that most houses don’t just have one car, so you’re potentially talking about 4,000 cars – that’s all the pollution all the congestion that comes with that,” Ms DIxon added.

“What we have discovered is that a lot of people don’t know [about the plan].”

She added that the elderly population in the areas affected may find it difficult to access information online, as the consultation will not be held in person.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for place (regeneration and culture) said: “It’s important to recognise the work that has gone into producing this draft plan which presents a sustainable, highly attractive site set within green spaces and linking to surrounding landscapes.

“Importantly, the plans will establish wildlife corridors to connect with nearby habitats and will look to enhance the existing Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network to connect the site from north to south. This presents a fantastic opportunity to encourage sustainable travel and reduce the impact of vehicles in the area.

“With any development of this size, there are concerns around the provision of community facilities and the need for school places – which this detailed masterplan proposal includes.

“The development also provides the opportunity for significant jobs growth, providing a mixed-use site for business expansion in an area where local businesses are currently thriving.

“We understand this is a significant time in terms of development across the borough, and we remain focused on making sure the final masterplan document for Carlton provides the best outcomes for our residents. We ask people to please give their views and to complete the online consultation”

The consultation will last for a period of 6 weeks, starting in June, with exact dates publicised shortly.

You can view the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/barnsley-metropolitan-borough-council-stop-mu2-mu3-in-carlton

The campiagn group can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1503926496527521