Warning over housing bids on unallocated land as Rotherham draws up £2.2m Local Plan
Rotherham Council is set to draw up a new Local Plan, which will set out where development should go - but is not due to be adopted until July 2029.
Developers could seek to build on land not earmarked for new homes while Rotherham draws up a £2.2m plan for the borough’s future, council officers have warned.
The new Local Plan will set out where development should go and shape growth into the 2040, but is not due to be adopted until July 2029.
A report heading to Rotherham Council's scrutiny board warns the council cannot be assured of protection from higher housing requirements until the plan is in place, leaving it vulnerable to proposals on unallocated sites.
Councillors will examine plans to launch the process formally by October 30, with residents getting their first consultation in January.
Alongside deciding where development should go, the council will assess whether supporting infrastructure can keep pace.
The report highlights community concerns that improvements to services are not being delivered in step with new building.
A new infrastructure delivery plan will assess existing provision and the impact of proposed development.
The council has set aside £2.2m to prepare the Local Plan, although officers warn costs could rise.
Its current planning documents took about nine years to prepare and adopt. The new system requires the formal process to be completed within 30 months, following a four-month preparatory stage.
A cross-party group of councillors is proposed to keep work moving, alongside delegated powers for officers to approve procedural steps. Key policy decisions would remain with councillors.
Further consultations are scheduled for summer 2027 and summer 2028, before independent examination in 2029.
Cabinet will consider the proposals on October 12.