MORE than 100 homes are set to be built in Great Houghton after Barnsley Council’s planning board earmarked an application for approval - despite ‘grave concerns’ from residents.

An application was submitted to the council last year for a total of 104 homes to be built on agricultural land off High Street.

A similar application was submitted to the planning board in 2021 but these plans were withdrawn, with the current application being reduced from 108 properties.

A report states: “This is a full planning application which proposed the erection of 104 dwellings including associated works, which include the removal of poor quality agricultural structures to the south of the site.

“The scheme has been amended during the course of the application and reduced from 108 dwellings to 104 dwellings, including design/internal layout changes and internal and external highway amendments as a result of the consultation responses received.

“The area of land to which this planning application relates is located off the east of High Street, a main route through Great Houghton linking to the A1695 and Doncaster Road.

“The site currently comprises an agricultural field used for growing crops and is characterised by a hedgerow on its western, northern and eastern boundaries, with Manor Farm located to the immediate south of the application site.

“Adjacent land uses are agricultural to the north and east with allotment gardens beyond, and residential uses adjacent to High Street to the west.

“The local area consists of a variety of dwelling types, including single and two storey, terraced, semi-detached and larger detached dwellings.”

The revised plans were put forward to consultation, with neither the three local councillors - though two do sit on the planning board - or Great Houghton Parish Council submitting their views.

However, a total of 12 residents have raised concerns ranging from traffic woes, impact on children, overdevelopment and disruption.

But the plans are set to be given the green light at Tuesday’s planning meeting.

The report added: “Concerns have been raised with regard to highway safety concerns on High Street.

“An assessment of the available personal injury collision data has been undertaken for the study area.

“Based on the information currently available there is no evidence to suggest that there is a particular road safety issue or that the traffic that will be generated by the proposed development will exacerbate the current situation.

“Concerns have been raised by neighbouring residents in terms of the impact of the proposal by way of disturbance and additional activity within the village.

“There are no dwellings adjacent to the site boundaries, with the closest dwellings being set on the opposite side of High Street.

“There would be noise and general activity generated from the proposed 104 dwellings from residential activities and vehicular movements, especially considering the majority of the site is currently fields.”

The Great Houghton Voluntary Residents’ Group have slammed the decision.

They are urging locals to attend the planing meeeting, and the planning board to reject the proposals.

A spokesperson said: “This development is being forced upon Great Houghton without proper scrutiny, using flawed evidence and misleading transport data.

“Our village roads cannot safely cope with this level of development.

“Emergency access, service vehicles, and everyday traffic will be severely compromised.

“The people of Great Houghton feel ignored, sidelined, and treated with contempt - by both the developer and the planning system that is supposed to represent us.

“The fact that the developer has already put up advertising signage before any decision is made shows the arrogance of the process.

“We are calling on councillors to stand with the people they represent, not with developers.

“This application must be refused.”

The plans are to be approved subject to a Section 106 agreement - cash set aside by developers for local amenities - worth around £500,000.

A total of £178,000 will be used for a green space contribution, £78,000 for sustainable travel and a £240,000 contribution will be made towards new secondary school places.