PLANS to build almost 300 homes are set to be approved by the council’s planning board - despite more than 40 objections from local residents.
Applicant Avant Homes West Yorkshire is seeking to build a total of 289 properties west of Thurnscoe Bridge Lane in Thurnscoe.
The number of properties proposed was originally 296 but this has been lowered by seven following consultation.
The report said: “It is noted that the proposed dwellings would be to the south of the houses on Derry Grove, however, they would be built on a lower level and, as set out above, would meet the required separation distances. In addition, the proposed houses which bak onto the neighbouring houses with the smallest gardens are single-storey bungalows.
“There would be noise and disturbance generated from the proposed 289 dwellings from residential activities and vehicular movements, especially considering the site is currently an agricultural field.
“However, the site has been allocated for housing through the Local Plan process and adjoins existing large housing areas in Thurnscoe.”
The initial plans were subject to 42 objections from local residents but a re-consultation saw 31 separate concerns raised.
The main areas of concern were regarding the lack of infrastructure in the area and issues around highways safety.
The report added: “In terms of the site access a new priority junction is proposed, incorporating a ghost right turn bay with a pedestrian refuge island to the south of the access.
“Given the shared footway/cycleway on the opposite side of Thurnscoe Bridge Lane, crossing points are provided which accommodate cyclists, and as such, refuge islands are a minimum length of three metres.
“It is essential that the infrastructure proposed provides seamless connectivity to the existing network provision.”
Thurnscoe Rifle Club had initially objected to the plans due to the potential of noise complaints when residents move into their homes, but a deal has been struck between them and the council.
The report said: “Currently there are no planning conditions on the rifle club that control hours of operation or noise levels.
“However, following proactive dialogue between the Thurnscoe Rifle Club, council pollution control and the developers, in addition to the good acoustic design principles adopted through the site layout and mitigation measure proposed, it has also been decided to enter into a Deed of Easement.
“A Deed of Easement is a legal agreement that formally grants another party the right to make a certain level of noise on their land which could otherwise be considered a private nuisance.”
Despite the concerns from residents, the application is set to be approved by the planning board subject to a section 106 agreement - monies set aside by developers for local amenities.
A total of £12,000 has been earmarked for a proposed habitat enhancement area, £266,598 for a play area and green space, £624,000 for school places and more than £200,000 for bus stop improvements.
Coun Sue Bellamy welcomed the development and described it as a ‘vital step forward’ for the community.
She told the Chronicle: “This development will bring much-needed quality housing to Dearne North.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar - it’s about building opportunity, stability, and pride for local families.
“I’m proud to support this development and will continue working to ensure it delivers real value for the people of Thurnscoe and Dearne North ward.”
