Controversial plans for new homes in Yorkshire to undergo re-design

An application for over 100 new homes to be built on a green site in Doncaster has sparked opposition between developers and local residents causing the plan to be postponed.

A number of councillors in the area, plus over 80 residents and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, have opposed the development, which would see 121 homes built on a field next to Sandall Beat Woods and Doncaster Racecourse at Rose Hill – currently a green space used by the public and a wildlife habitat.

The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have stated there would be ‘significant biodiversity loss under the current proposal, which is not acceptable.’

However, spokespeople from Miller Homes said they have taken concerns into account by reducing the number of properties down from 157.

Rose Hill became part of the council’s local plan in 2017, putting it on the market for developers, however, locals proceeded to create the Rose Hill Residents Association (RHRA) to campaign over lockdown after threats for development increased.

Since the planning application for the new properties was launched in 2022, locals and councillors have been waiting for a final decision to be made. 

During a full council meeting, City of Doncaster Councillor Nick Allen said: ‘Thirteen Months ago, I asked you to provide an update regarding the sale of land near Rose Hill in Bessacarr. As you know, this is an extremely controversial subject, the planning proposal has provoked a significant backlash as residents do not want to lose access to much needed green space.’

Cllr Allen asked the council why the proposal for the new homes is yet to go through the Planning Committee and wondered what ‘has caused the delay and does the Council stand to benefit from the sale?’.

In response to this, Mayor of the local authority, Ros Jones said: ‘The scheme design has been remodelled to fully meet council aspirations, including more trees and more green space.

‘This has created a delay in bringing it to a meeting but will see a more improved and sustainable development scheme; the scheme will be considered shortly after this is finalised.

‘The funding from the sale of the land will go towards investment that is discussed in the capital strategy, although a final sale price has not yet been established.’

Details of the re-model are yet to be announced.

Photo by Emilio Williams