‘Wonderful wildlife resource’ next to M1 in Dodworth approved for 126 homes

Councillors backed Keepmoat’s plans for land beside the M1, despite objections over the proposed Keresforth Road entrance, flooding and the loss of green space.

Plans for up to 126 homes on a Dodworth site described by a councillor as a “wonderful wildlife resource” have been approved after a divided vote.

‘Wonderful wildlife resource’ next to M1 in Dodworth approved for 126 homes | Keepmoat Homes

placeholder image — ‘Wonderful wildlife resource’ next to M1 in Dodworth approved for 126 homes | Keepmoat Homes

Reform members of Barnsley Council’s planning board backed Keepmoat Homes’ outline application for land north of Keresforth Road on Tuesday, September 29. Labour and Liberal Democrat members voted against, apart from Labour’s Coun Joe Hayward, who supported it. Councillors had deferred the decision earlier this month to visit the site.

All vehicles entering and leaving the development would use one access from Keresforth Road. Objector Rachel Lamyman urged councillors to reconsider that arrangement, arguing that a route from South Road appeared safer than an entrance on a busy road used by children travelling to nearby schools.

“The planning application should consider the safest and most suitable access to their development, not simply the applicant's preferred option,” she said.

Council highways officers said the proposed entrance met visibility and vehicle movement requirements and could serve 126 homes. The land needed for a South Road entrance is outside Keepmoat’s application site.

Another objector, Michelle Ronksley, questioned whether the drainage evidence was sufficient, recalling that nearby homes flooded in 2007. Planning officers recommended approval subject to conditions, including further drainage details.

Coun Phillip Lofts said he had seen “lots of people using the site for recreation” during a previous visit, and described the site as a 'wonderful wildlife resource'. He also questioned whether homes beside the M1 could be protected from noise and pollution.

“I can't see how you would effectively mitigate the noise or particulates,” he said.

Garry Hildsley, the council’s head of planning, said the application was at outline stage and the positions of the houses were not yet known. Keepmoat would have to submit an updated noise assessment and details of any measures needed when it sought approval for the layout and design.

Samuel Finley, speaking for Keepmoat, said the development would “help to address both local housing needs and the wider challenge of affordability”.

The land is allocated for housing in Barnsley’s Local Plan but is also designated green space. Keepmoat reduced its proposal from 215 to 126 homes during the application process. Sixteen trees or tree groups would be removed to make the entrance.

Despite a council policy expectation of 30 per cent affordable housing in Dodworth, none is proposed on the site. Keepmoat’s viability assessment said the scheme could not provide it alongside the usual contributions.

Approval is subject to a £900,000 legal agreement, including £736,000 for school places, £89,750 for biodiversity measures, £69,300 for public transport and £4,950 for affordable housing elsewhere.