Decision due on Aston housing plans

A DECISION over plans to build a housing estate next to a wildlife site is expected to be reached today.

The verdict on the Aston housing scheme was deferred after campaigners voiced concerns that no site visit was due to take place.

Members of Rotherham Borough Council's planning board were due to approve plans to build 16 homes on land off Worksop Road at Aston at a meeting earlier this month.

But campaigners and people living near the site claimed the development could disturb wildlife, increase the flooding risk and increase congestion through the village.

Cllr Alan Atkin, planning board chairman, told a meeting last Thursday that the decision had been deferred to allow board members to visit the site.

The visit will take place this morning and councillors will discuss the application at a meeting afterwards.

Jenny Shimwell (68), whose house backs on to the site, said: “This is a very sensitive decision and we have been fighting these plans since 2013.

“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.

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.”