COUNCILLORS have urged residents to submit their views on a ‘speculative’ planning application to build up to 200 homes on ‘safeguarded’ land - and they say it risks undermining the local plan.
Earlier this week, developers Alphin Property revealed plans to build homes near to Lombard Crescent and Pitt Street, in Darfield near to Netherwood Academy.
No formal plans have been submitted to the council to date, though the developers are seeking views from residents.
However, it has sparked concern due to the land being marked in the local plan as ‘safeguarded land’, meaning it should not be built on until at least 2033.
A consultation letter states: “The applicant seeks outline planning permission for the demolition of existing structures and the erection of residential dwellings with associated infrastructure and open space.
“The masterplan identifies that the site could accommodate up to 200 homes.
“The site is immediately available for development.
“The homes will be of varying mix and type of tenure including much needed affordable homes to meet the required housing needs in Wombwell and Darfield.
“Open spaces are proposed with opportunities to deliver connectivity to the large ecological enhancement area to the west of the site.
“A local equipped area of play will be created within the site.”
The developers are urging residents to submit their views.
“We value the comments and suggestions of local people and businesses, particularly where this helps to refine and improve the development proposals,” it added.
“Alphin Property will review all comments received as it finalises the proposed development.
“Following consideration of all comments and the associated review of all technical information, we plan to submit an outline planning application to Barnsley Council.”
A similar application in Wombwell, to build homes on safeguarded land, raised concerns among the local community and with councillors.
And the Darfield councillors Kevin Osborne and Pauline Markham - as well as candidate Richard Ullyott - have said the application would ‘undermine’ the local plan.
They encourage residents to participate in the upcoming consultation process to have their say and provide specific objections to the development proposals.
Coun Osborne told the Chronicle: “This speculative application from a private developer is attempting to fast track a planning application on safeguarded land in advance of Barnsley Council’s next five year plan.
“That undermines the process that protects our community from excessive development.
“We encourage all with an interest in standing up against this to engage in the consultation process and let the developers know exactly how they feel.”
n Anyone wishing to submit their views can do so by emailing info@jrpassoc.oco.uk or writing to them at JRP, 14 Mariner Court, Calder Park, Wakefield, WF4 3FL.
