TWO new business developments have been approved by councillors in Barnsley, though planners were questioned about why work on one had been started before permission had been given.

Approval was granted for four new units at the Ashroyd Business Park in Hoyland, which will be of varying sizes but all constructed to a similar contemporary appearance to accommodate new employers in the area, by Barnsley Council’s planning board.

Members also approved plans to demolish a range of seven dilapidated buildings at the Ardagh glass works at Burton Road in Monk Bretton and replace them with one new large storage building.

There were objections to the scheme from residents but planning officials believe the new arrangement will not increase disturbance for residents in the area.

However, Coun Ken Richardson asked the meeting: “Why is it half built already?”

Planning officials explained the council was already aware that the old buildings had been demolished but said they would not take any action in those circumstances until the planning application had been decided, with the applicant taking the risk as to whether or not they would get permission for work already done.