A CONTROVERSIAL site which could become home to a giant housing estate remains a ‘priority’ for Barnsley Council and a developer has already been identified ahead of a planning application’s submission.
The Hoyland North site has been earmarked for 765 homes and 37 hectares of employment space, with a cricket pitch and pavilion at its heart, according to plans which first debuted as far back as 2019.
However, the Chronicle can now reveal that a planning application is being readied, with councillors confirming that it could be submitted before the year’s end.
It’s situated on the Dearne Valley Parkway corridor and a large portion was formerly used for open-cast mining but documents suggest three parts - off Hoyland Road, Shortwood Roundabout and Upper Hoyland Road - could yield 615, 80 and 70 homes respectively.
The council’s strategic housing team is working with a developer that has shown ‘firm interest’ in the Hoyland North site, which the local authority described as ‘a long-term priority’ given its attractive positioning both on the Dearne Valley Parkway commuter belt and the M1.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, also represents the Hoyland Milton ward and confirmed a developer has already carried out ground investigation work.
“The council’s strategic housing services are currently working with an interested developer to bring forward a detailed pre-application enquiry this year, with a planning application to follow,” he added.
“The developer has undertaken significant intrusive ground investigations, which will inform the design of the scheme and remediation works required.
“The site remains a strategic priority for the council and we are linking in with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Homes England to accelerate the delivery of new homes in this masterplan framework area.
“Members of the local community will be consulted on the proposed site layout and detailed design during the planning process.”
Hoyland’s masterplans - including those for the south, west and north of the area - were met with fierce opposition when first approved throughout 2019 and 2020, particularly over the scale of development, relocation of sports facilities and loss of green space.
Despite this, the council maintains that the site remains essential to meeting Barnsley’s long-term housing and economic needs.
Coun Andy Wray said: “I asked the question if there were any updates on the development behind the houses on Hoyland Road and Hawshaw Lane, otherwise known as the Hoyland North masterplan.
“As well as approximately 675 houses, there is also a new cricket pitch to be laid for Rockingham Cricket Club.
“The future of this cricket club still remains an important issue for me.
“The answer I received was basically that the council are in discussions with the developers but nothing has been received yet application-wise.
“I do think the masterplan site should be assessed again given the controversy which has gone before.”
