Controversial homes plan put on hold

RESIDENTS unhappy at traffic from a proposed housing development running through their quiet estate will be given another chance to argue their case.

Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board members deferred a decision in order to visit the site in Catcliffe.

The applicants, Langtree Group, want to build 64 homes off Sheffield Parkway, with the sole access being via Blue Mans Way.

But the council has received 70 objection letters and a 119-signature petition as residents oppose the loss of green space and say the extra traffic would be dangerous.

Campaigner Nicholas Howarth said: “I speak for the entire estate of Blue Mans Way when I say we all object strongly to the idea of opening the end of the road to use as access to this development.”

Mr Howarth told last Thursday’s planning meeting that the green space was valuable to dog walkers and children, adding that wildlife including foxes, bats, newts and deer had been spotted there.

He said: “It has also matured into a fantastic natural sound barrier, shielding our estate from the constant noise of traffic from the parkway.”

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