Campaign against Aston homes plan

CAMPAIGNERS who have been fighting plans to build a housing estate next to a wildlife site for more than three years hope their pleas will not fall on deaf ears.

Despite the objections, members of Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board are expected to approve plans to build 16 homes on land off Worksop Road at Aston at a meeting next Thursday.

People living close to the site claim the development could disturb wildlife, increase the flooding risk and increase congestion through the village.

Jenny Shimwell, whose house backs on to the proposed site, said: “We have been fighting these plans since 2013 and the developers have been pushing for a decision from the council ever since.

“We don’t really have one main concern, there are several. The site has never been developed and there are lots of bats, newts and birds that use the wildlife area.

“Another problem is access to the site. If the plans are approved there will be seven turn-offs along Worksop Road from the new estate to Parklands Riding School.

“The road is used as the main route to the M1 motorway from the village and families have to take their children across it at the junction of Church Lane. It is so dangerous.

“Can you imagine what it will be like when they are building the homes?”

Developer Jones’ Homes wants to build 16 five-bedroom homes on the land with access from Worksop Road, near Green Lane. The proposals also include a pumping station and improved drainage.

But Mrs Shimwell (68) said: “The existing site is already very wet and boggy even in a dry summer. If they build houses on there the water will literally have nowhere to go other than backing up into our gardens.

“Aston already has earmarked plans for additional houses under the new local plans and already has every variety of house you can imagine. This development is just not necessary.”

A spokesman for Jones’ Homes said: “We have worked extensively with officers at the council over the last three-and-a-half years to address any of the concerns raised in relation to these matters, and can confirm that appropriate strategies will be put in place to ensure a safe and effective development of the site.”

Mrs Shimwell said people living nearby were also concerned that the planning board did not plan to visit the site before making a decision.