Developers request feedback on planned village housing estate
DEVELOPERS have launched public consultations which could result in 270 new homes going up a Dearne area village.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes have asked for feedback on proposals which could see a parcel of land off Cemetery Road in Jump used for housing.
The site is currently undeveloped but according to the housing firm, is designated ‘grey belt’ which means it does not have the protections afforded to green belt land.
It is a triangular shape, bounded on other sides by the Barnsley to Sheffield railway line and the rear of homes in the established street of Allott Crescent.
When developers request feedback from residents, the information is usually used to help guide a subsequent planning application.
A prospective street-plan has been drawn up, though that would have to be formalised as part of the planning process, with the intention of building houses ranging between two and four bedrooms in size.
A quarter of them would be given over to ‘affordable housing’, for rent or other means to assist those struggling with the housing market, such as shared ownership.
The builders state that in addition a “significant financial sum would be generated to support local priorities including health, schools and community facilities”.
Access to the site would be from Cemetery Road, with a public open space and plan area planned into the scheme.
The company highlights that Barnsley has “a signficant and chronic housing shortage” and the development would help families currently struggling to find affordable housing.
The potential planning application could be an early test for the new Reform administration at Barnsley Council.
There has been widespread housing development in the wider district, with some controversial sites recently gaining planning permission and others still pending.
Residents frequently question the ability of the infrastructure - roads, education and health services - to cope with increased numbers.
However, planning decisions are tightly controlled by national rules, which dictate local authorities must have enough land available for five-years of housing development.
Barnsley does not meet that figure at present, meaning it is difficult to challenge developers’ plans, even if the council would prefer to see a specific site go undeveloped.