Thurcroft housing plans green light

Rotherham Council’s planning board passed the application by Barratt Homes yesterday (Thursday) morning to build 369 homes on 13 hectres of land in the village.

The new development will see a mix of homes varying in size from starter homes to detached family homes.

James Hobson, who spoke on behalf of Barratt Homes at the meeting in at the town hall in Rotherham, said it was hoped that building work would start in summer next year and be built in phases, taking around seven to eight years to complete.

He said the development would help the council meet its housing target.

“There is a complete package of measures to ensure the development integrates with the community providing recreational grounds, provision of significant green space, support for the local library and public art,” he added.

The development had received 14 letters of objection, with concerns ranging from the large amount of housing in Thurcroft currently unsold, the increase in traffic and pressure which will be put on already overstretched resources in the area. However none of the objectors spoke at the meeting.

As part of the developer gaining planning permission a section 106 agreement has also been signed.

As part of this agreement 25 per cent of the housing will be affordable, £80,000 will be given to the upkeep of land adjacent to the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall, £37,300 will be given for the provision and maintenance of an art trail and £10,000 will go towards a welcome pack for the new householders at Thurcroft Community Library.

A report to the planning board said the proposals represented an ‘acceptable form of development that would not be out of keeping with the character of the surrounding area.’

“Furthermore, by virtue of their size, appearance, layout, and materials, the proposed dwellings would not have a detrimental effect of the visual amenities of the area or on the neighbouring properties and would successfully assimilate with the surrounding developments.”

“Consequently, the proposed development makes a positive impact on the environment by achieving an appropriate standard of design in accordance with policy and guidance.”

A spokesman for Barratt Homes Yorkshire West said: “We are delighted that the council approved our planning application at Thurcroft this morning (Thursday) and would express our thanks to council officers and members of the public who have had an input into the design of the proposed development.”

“We will continue to work closely with the local community and keep them informed of our time scales for commencing on site.”

He added: “The development will be accessed from two points off Laughton Road, with very restricted access from Sawn Moor Road.”

“Large green spaces add character to the suburban setting and listed buildings and public rights of way/ footpaths are respected and enhanced.”

“Our vision is to be recognised as the nation’s leading house builder, creating communities where people aspire to live.”