PLANS to build more than 200 homes in Stairfoot - which are set for approval and would see a bus lane removed at the roundabout - have been met with disdain from a local councillor.

An application to build 238 homes on a 10.38-hectare site, formerly occupied by B and Q, is set to be given the green light by the council at next week’s planning meeting.

Of the 238 new houses, 63 will have two beds, 107 three beds and 67 will have four beds.

A planning statement said: “The site already has outline planning permission for a development of approximately 250 dwellings and so the principle of development is already established.

“The outline application was granted taking into account that the site is allocated for new housing development in the adopted local plan (housing proposal HS27) making the proposal in compliance with the development plan in land use planning policy terms.

“There would be a minimal impact for the existing residents of existing dwellings in the immediate area with the nearest properties located to the north west of the site beyond allotments on Field Lane and Kay’s Terrace and on the other side the railway line at Hunningley Lane and Lockeaflash Crescent to the south west.

“The impact of the development on existing residential amenity is not a concern therefore, other than during the construction period.

“In terms of the residential amenity levels for the new residents the site lies between a railway line to the west and the Stairfoot retail park to the east which may result in noise impacts.”

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The plans have been earmarked for approval by the council, but Barnsley Independent Group leader Andrew Gillis, who represents the ward, is against the plan.

Despite Highways Development Control confirming that the network impacts were assessed through the provision of a transport assessment, Coun Gillis says the development will only make things worse.

He told the Chronicle: “This is only going to add to the problem.

“It’s going to cause extra stress on the roundabout.

“Stairfoot Roundabout will never get any better until the council sort out Cundy Cross.

“It’s so close and needs to be sorted.

“Anyone can say that all the traffic used to go to B and Q, but there’s only one way in and one way out of the site - they’re all going to be leaving for work at around the same time.

‘The roundabout works better when the traffic lights aren’t working.

“Where they’re building the houses, the land is good because they’re not ripping any forest up.

“But the problem is the access and it’s only going to get worse on the roundabout.”

A Section 106 agreement - cash set aside by developers for loss of amenity - will see almost £200,000 used to benefit the community.

A report said: “This detailed assessment identified the need for offsite highway improvement works in the vicinity of Stairfoot Roundabout and developer contributions of £164,000 were secured through a Section 106 agreement, together with a sustainable travel contribution (totalling £180,749.10) based on the 238 proposed number of units shall need to be provided.

“As a reminder the approved off site highway mitigation works would be carried out on Bleachcroft Way on the approach to Stairfoot roundabout consisting of the removal of the existing bus lane and gate to allow three traffic lanes and the provision of a new bus stop layby to allow them to buses to stop without causing a blockage to one of the lanes whilst stationary.”

The plans will be discussed at Tuesday’s planning meeting.