Planned new building so tall it would affect views of historic landmarks
PLANS for a towering new warehouse are being recommended for approval - despite it being tall enough to have an impact on nearby landmarks.
It was already expected that the site - off Dearne Valley Parkway in Hoyland - would be developed for storage or industry.
But the height of the structure is more than half as tall again as anticipated when the site was earmarked for development.
And it is accepted the building will have an impact both on the Grade II Listed Hoyland Lowe Stand, 500 metres away, and views out across the area from the Worsbrough Conservation Area.
It is also warned that buildings on an a neighbouring site could not match the height of the current proposal, without risking a cumulative impact on the surrounding area.
However, those concerns are not regarded by Barnsley Council experts as being serious enough to reject the proposal, and they are recommending councillors approve it when they meet on December 16.
The wider area was identified for development years ago and many sites have already been occupied with warehousing and other new businesses.
Planning documents state the proposed building would be more than 18m tall - or 55 per cent higher than approved when the site was set aside for development.
However, the ‘footprint’ of the building would be smaller than originally anticipated and councillors will be told that “a landscape and visual impact assessment” found the plans “broadly acceptable”.
In addition to the impact on views in the area, the site is also in the Dearne Valley Green Heart - Nature Improvement Area.
The development would feature 15 bays for lorries, as well as car parking for staff and bicycle storage.
The site can be accessed via Newton Road and it is now anticipated that will eventually connect to Hawshaw Lane in Hoyland, when new housing goes up in the area.
At this stage, the development is speculative, meaning there is no clear indication of who might eventually occupy it.
Barnsley Council’s conservation officer said in a report the new building would be “relatively prominent due to its increased height” and that could impact on views, including of Lowe Stand and St Peter’s Church.
They added: “There is some harm to the setting of the designated assets mentioned, but this is minor.”