Longstanding plans for large housing estate move forward
THE prospect of a new 450 homes housing estate has moved a step closer with new developments on the proposal - which dates back more than five years.
Plans for the development, on fields off Worry Goose Lane, in Whiston, date back to early 2021, when Rotherham Council granted outline planning permission for homes on the land.
That application was made by developer Avant Homes, and a subsequent planning application dealt with ‘reserved matters’, the finer details of how the development would look - though that never reached a conclusion and remains pending.
Residents in the area have now been told the situation has moved on, with two different “highly regarded regional house builders” joining forces in a collaboration which is intended to see the development move forwards.
Miller Homes and St Modwen Homes have distributed literature about their plans for the future of the site.
They say 107 of the new homes will be ‘affordable’, meaning they could be given over to a range of options to help those struggling with the cost of housing, including renting and possibly shared-ownership.
It is intended that the site will be developed in three distinct sections, intersected by the road layout of the estate and the public spaces which will form part of the development.
New footpaths would be developed as part of the housing scheme, linking in to the existing public right of way which already runs through the site.
The public spaces will feature a new central park, according to details distributed.
The builders have told those in the area to expect to see increased planning activity on the site as the Spring unfolds.
They say: “A number of refinements have been made to the scheme to reflect the involvement of the house builders.
“All changes remain fully within the scope of the approved outline planning permission.
“The development team continues to work closely with Rotherham Council.”
That is expected to mean some changes to details of pending application, which they say will result in a “sustainable and well-designed new community”.
The progression of the scheme has met with dismay be some people in the area. Outline planning permission has set the principle that housing can go on the site, subject to detailed planning approval.