Rotherham needs more housing to meet Government expectations

A new pair of semi-detached houses could go up on a plot currently occupied by shrubs and brambles in a Rotherham suburb.

Rotherham Council is being asked for permission to develop the plot, off Richmond Road, Kimberworth, to provide two new three bedroomed homes, similar to existing houses in the area.

They would be set by from the road, with each having its own drive and parking for two vehicles.

Planning documents state the name Richmond originates from the ancient description of ‘wealth’ and ‘hill’, with the site occupying a hillside position.

According to the application, the design meets visibility guidelines for vehicle movements, with the road outside having a 30 mph limit.

Some neighbouring homes are semis, with others in terraces which have very little off-street parking.

The site would be cleared of vegetation for the build, though boundary hedges would be kept and improved, aside from the loss of one section to allow for a new entrance.

A decision will be made later on the application, which comes as Rotherham Council prepares to start work on a new Local Plan, a blueprint which will help guide where housing is built in the years ahead.

It will replace an existing plan, which has failed to deliver on the amount of building land which should be available for new homes.

In practical terms, that makes it difficult for the authority to object to whatever plans developers may propose, meaning the authoity loses some of its control over where new homes go.