A SECOND large-scale bid to build homes on one of Barnsley’s so-called ‘masterplan’ sites - which will yield almost 1,000 homes in the future despite stern opposition - is set to be approved.
Royston residents have protested against housing schemes following concerns about increased congestion, loss of greenspace and knock-on impacts on wildlife on Lee Lane.
The site - known as MU5 - already has a 166-home development being built, but plans for a 115-home estate and a convenience store have also been earmarked for approval in outline form after it was allocated by Barnsley Council for a total of 994 homes in the future.
A suite of road safety works are included in the planning report, which will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday, such as a speed limit reduction on Lee Lane, improvement work at The Wells in the centre of Royston and a relief road.
The report added: “The Royston masterplan was adopted by full council on July 29 and identifies a number of development phases.
“This parcel of land is identified as one of the first phases for residential development with a small retail element - other phases will follow in due course.
“The site is currently a greenfield site with scrub vegetation, pasture, matures trees and hedgerows.
“The frontage to Lee Lane comprises two large buffer strips on the northern boundary adjoining Lee Lane, and a buffer strip to the western boundary will ensure an attractive boundary is retained and will include an active travel route, in accordance with the adopted masterplan.”
Concerns have been raised over flooding at the site, but assessors lodged no objections.( “Objectors have raised the issue of drainage on the site and part of it was flooded in the heavy rains of 2020,” the report added.
“The application is accompanied by a flood risk assessment which describes the outline proposals for drainage of the site.
“In addition, there are watercourses crossing the site which the developer is aware of and which must be protected.
“Yorkshire Water and Barnsley Council’s senior drainage engineer have no objections subject to planning conditions which will prevent excessive run-off to the watercourses and avoid future flooding.”
Coun Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “We understand this is a significant development as part of the council’s local plan, however we have been honest that we need to develop some areas of the borough.
“The Royston masterplan makes sure this site delivers on all aspects of high-quality housing, supporting road networks, school provision, sustainability and greenspaces.
“It is very much a long-term development which will meet the housing needs of our residents.
“This is not just about providing housing sites - we are working hard to make sure these sites blend into our existing landscapes.”
