PLANS to build 200 homes on ‘safeguarded’ land in Darfield have finally been submitted to the council after a consultation period first mooted the application several months ago.

The application relates to a site on Pitt Street, with outline planning permission sought to erect up to 200 homes.

The proposals also seek to demolish the existing structures at the site.

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 planning report states that the development would benefit the area.

It added: “This proposal delivers a residential development which would create an attractive and inclusive neighbourhood.

“The design has been landscape led, providing a series of green corridors which makes use of the existing natural features and connects these to the proposed landscaping and green spaces throughout the site.

“As part of the residential development, it is proposed that a new site access located off Pitt Street would be provided.

“This would include the provision of a new right turn lane junction arrangement which will serve the main spine road for the majority of the residential development

“In order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of any future decision making the applicant has been proactive from the outset and have ensured that the council, and the local community (including elected representatives) have been engaged from the outset.

“Consequently, a pre-application submission was made to the council.”

In total, almost 500 leaflets were distributed to residents for consultation.

The report said that the development team are committed to working with residents to address any concerns raised towards the proposals.

It added: “Residents were encouraged to give feedback on the proposals by way of completing a feedback form.

“Response were forthcoming in respect of the development.

“The main concern raised was in connection with the footpaths and the adjacent Barratt development.

“In response to the comments and concerns, the proposals have been updated to remove the pedestrian linkage to the top north eastern corner.

“The footpath is still provided on the masterplan for permeability however this has been pulled away from the boundary.

“Connections will still be formed between this and the adjacent Barratt scheme where footpaths are permanent to the north.”

Councillors Kevin Osborne and Pauline Markham have urged residents to submit their views to the plans, no matter if they are positive or negative.

They told the Chronicle: “Residents in Darfield now have the chance to take part in the planning consultation, and we would strongly encourage everyone to make their views known.

“As local councillors we will also be submitting our own response.

“The site in question is currently designated as safeguarded land in Barnsley’s Local Plan, which runs until 2033.

“Bringing forward any development on safeguarded sites during the lifetime of the current Local Plan, places the integrity of the plan as a whole at risk.

“That’s something that must be taken seriously.”