Controversy over prospect of 129 new homes at The Pitches in Stag

MORE than 120 new homes are planned for a former sports field designated as “green space”.

The Pitches at Stag has been earmarked by developer Newett Homes for housing, with 129 properties in the pipeline.

This is despite the site having been included in Rotherham Borough Council’s Local Plan as green space and the authority having ruled out it taking on resident user.

Newett Homes is holding a public consultation event about the plans at Wickersley Library between 2pm and 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday).

Broom resident Andrew Fellows, who lives near the site, said: “Many local residents are very concerned at these plans, which come on top of the Lathe Road plans (for 450 homes in Whiston).

“The Pitches has been a popular playing field for decades.”

Mr Fellows said Hewlett Homes’ claim that The Pitches had not been used for over eight years was “simply not true” as football team Whiston Wildcats had been based their and restored facilities such as car parking and changing rooms, before being asked to leave.

“The council should reject this application to build houses on The Pitches,” Mr Fellows said.

“The Pitches should remain a playing field for the use of local sports clubs, and the council should work with local sports clubs to ensure access the playing fields.”

No formal planning application has been submitted but Newett Homes’ website lists the Pitches” in Rotherhamas a prospective development on its "coming soon" section.