240 new homes planned for Thrybergh wasteland site

The former Chesterhill area at Thrybergh (pictured) was promised regeneration after the bulldozers arrived in 2008 and attracting developers has proved difficult.

There has been criticism that Rotherham Borough Council’s local plan — moving land out of greenbelt — has meant developers’ heads have been turned elsewhere.

Work on Chesterhill and nearby Whinney Hill had been expected to begin in 2016 but the scheme from Keepmoat — announced in 2013 — fell through.

Rotherham Borough Council has said a procurement exercise to find a new partner will begin before the end of the year.

A spokesman added: “These are strategically important sites and will make a significant contribution to the borough’s housing growth target. 

“The council will ensure that development commences as soon as possible and it is anticipated that work will start during 2019.”

It is expected that the sites will accommodate about 240 homes when finally developed.

Campaigner Michael Sylvester raised the matter with cabinet members earlier this year — pointing out that RMBC’s website still had the 2016 start date target.

He has now been offered a meeting with Jane Davies, head of strategic housing and development, to discuss the efforts being made to find a development partner.

Mr Sylvester said: “There are still questions around why the last scheme failed, and what lessons have been learned.

“Why did the failure only became public after my questioning at cabinet in May? Why was the 2016 story published if proposals were not at an advanced stage?”

Mr Sylvester welcomed the meeting offer — but asked that the invitation be extended to the chairmen of Dalton and Thrybergh parish councils.

“They were heavily involved in the failed Keepmoat proposals and have not been kept well informed with regards to the development status,” he added.