A green space group has criticised proposals to designate land in Staincross as ‘suitable for development’.

Chairman of the Mapplewell and Staincross Greenspace Group, David Hilton, said members were concerned about the impact Barnsley Council’s new Local Development Framework could have on land at the rear of Mapplewell Park, bordered by Wakefield Road.

Should the LDF be approved, it will leave the land open to residential developments on what the group claims is the only remaining open green space in the two villages. In 2005 the group was consulted by the council on the future use of the land and members recommended it be kept as it is.

David, 48, of Paddock Road, believes the green space should be protected and former industrial ‘brownfield’ sites used for housing developments instead. He said: “This area of land is, in essence, a landlocked green field site. It is traversed by officially recognised footpaths linking Staincross to the centre of Mapplewell.

“It is undeveloped and essentially wild in nature with a range of wildlife. The site is close to Mapplewell Park and allotments, providing an area for residents and park users to exercise themselves and their pets.”

He said the group would prefer the land to become an extension to the park, with clearly marked and maintained pathways and benches.

“This untouched area of land should be transferred into green belt rather than earmarked for housing.”