ALMOST 150 people attended a public meeting in Gawber about plans to build hundreds of houses and industrial units between Barugh Green and Pogmoor.
It was called by the Keep It Green 2014 group, which is concerned about the 'destruction' of green belt land between Barugh Green, Pogmoor, Gawber, Redbrook and Higham.
The site was pinpointed in Barnsley Council's 'Local Plan' which identifies potential sites for residential and industrial development and is part of the economic strategy up to 2033.
About 1,300 leaflets were sent out to households in the affected areas with details of the meeting and Gawber Community Centre was packed out with people eager to learn more.
The meeting was chaired by former MP Eric Illsley who told the audience the group was concerned about the growth of urban sprawl, loss of identity, flood risk, pollution, loss of wildlife habitat, disruption, devaluation of property and loss of privacy.
He said all residents in affected communities should examine and challenge the council's proposals.
** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle, dated April 4. **
