Plan to replace family home with apartments sparks conflicting opinions

A vacant house in a Rotherham suburb could be replaced by a development of 12 apartments, though the proposals are already starting to divide opinion.

The plan would see a three bedroomed house - called The Wendy House - in Moorgate Road replaced with a development of 12 apartments.

Under the proposals, 18 car parking spaces would be created, along with arrangements for bin storage in the grounds.

The application states that advice was sought from Rotherham Council planners ahead of the application being submitted, with a “positive” response.

Two neighbours have so far commented on the application, with one in support of the scheme.

They say that concerns raised in relation to a previous application to develop the site have been addressed.

They had previously been worried about a potential lack of light and overgrowing, in relation to a beech hedge on the site’s boundary with Whiston Grange.

However, they state the proposal is now to replace that hedge with a section of brick wall.

But another has complained, stating their belief that the privacy of neighbours could be compromised by the new homes.

They state: “Windows of the flats will be overlooking their (neighbour’s) bedroom windows and garden where small children will be playing which is a safeguarding risk and invasion of privacy.

“Twelve flats oaring and bun area will mean noise disturbance from cars, headlights shining through windows, car doors banging and footfall from the proposed car park.

“With a large refuse area I feel there is a probably risk of smells, visual impact and potential pest attraction.

“The flats will overshadow and cut off light to my house and garden and severely impact the enjoyment of the garden and home.

“Moorgate Road is already very busy and access to Moorgate Road at certain times of day (is) very congested.”

They also raise a fear that parking demands for the apartments would soak up more than the allocated spaces - designated at 1.5 per flat in the application - leading to parking on the roadside, creating further problems.

They conclude that they “strongly object” to the plan.

No change of access is proposed under the application, which will be considered later by Rotherham Council.