‘Completely unacceptable’: Councillor vows to fight plans for 149 homes in North Anston
Strata says the development would help address Rotherham’s housing shortage, with around 40 per cent of the properties designated as affordable homes.
Plans to build almost 150 homes in North Anston have been branded "completely unacceptable" by a councillor who says the village's roads and services cannot cope with further housing.
South Yorkshire housebuilder Strata has unveiled proposals for up to 149 homes on land west of Penny Piece lane, including 40 per cent affordable housing.
The scheme would see agricultural fields on the edge of the village developed into a new housing estate with public open space, a children’s play area and walking and cycling routes.
But Conservative councillor Tim Baum-Dixon, who represents Anston and Woodsetts, has vowed to fight the proposals, warning they would put further pressure on already stretched local services.
He said: “This proposal is completely unacceptable. Building 149 homes on this site would place intolerable pressure on local infrastructure, increase traffic on roads that are already dangerous and further erode the countryside around North Anston.
“Residents are sick of being told that ever more housing can be squeezed into communities without the doctors, dentists, school places and road improvements needed to support it.”
He added: “Local people have made their views crystal clear and I share their anger. I will use every avenue available to oppose this development and make the case that North Anston has already taken more than its fair share.”
The proposed development would sit alongside existing homes on Penny Piece Lane, with New Road forming its western boundary.
Under the plans, vehicles would access the estate from Penny Piece Lane through a new junction, while a footpath would be created along the western side of the road.
Strata says the development would help address Rotherham’s housing shortage, with around 40 per cent of the properties designated as affordable homes.
The proposals also include approximately two hectares of public open space, a children’s playground, new trees and hedgerows, and measures to improve drainage and biodiversity.
The developer says existing hedgerows and trees would be retained where possible, with additional planting to help the estate blend into its surroundings.
The site lies immediately next to the North Anston Conservation Area, and Strata says the development would be designed to respect the village’s historic character.
The company has already held preliminary discussions with Rotherham Council, but a formal planning application has yet to be submitted.
The number, size and type of homes could change as the proposals progress.
Residents are being invited to have their say on the plans through an online consultation, which closes at midnight on Sunday, November 22.
Feedback can also be emailed to [email protected], quoting ‘Penny Piece Lane, North Anston’.
A formal consultation will follow if a planning application is submitted to Rotherham Council.