Plans approved for 217 properties on ex-greenbelt at Whiston

Rotherham Council’s planning board went on a site visit this morning (Thursday) before debating Ernest V Waddington’s outline application for housing on Shrogswood Road.

Several objectors made their points to councillors, with MP Alexander Stafford attending to urge the council to consider alternatives to "concreting over" the countryside.

The proposals, which attracted more than 90 objections, include a new right turn arrangement from East Bawtry Road, which residents fear will cause traffic problems.

There are also fears about the flood risk, but RMBC says its own drainage department, along with Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency, are content with the suggested attenuation tank solution.

After a lengthy discussion at Rotherham Town Hall, the plans were approved by six votes to five. 

A decision had been expected three weeks ago but the matter was deferred after a data breach which saw all of the letters notifying the public who were set to speak at the meeting sent to one address.

Some 450 homes were approved by Rotherham Council for land to the south of nearby Lathe Road in late 2020 despite more than 300 objections.

Both sites were removed from the greenbelt by RMBC in 2018.