RESIDENTS have until next week to have their say on plans to build three supported living bungalows on Penistone playing fields and a local MP has vowed to listen to their concerns.
Plans were submitted in December by Progress Housing Group to build the properties south of Castle Lane.
However, residents have raised concerns over the location of the application one of the few playing fields for youngsters in the area.
A report states: “The proposed development delivers a carefully considered supported living scheme comprising three single-storey bungalows and ancillary communal staff facilities.
“The scheme is designed with a clear emphasis on high quality accommodation and a safe supportive environment for individual is specific needs, while promoting independence.
“While the site will result in the loss of some greenspace, the site is not identified as a formal playing pitch (as confirmed by the service manager in the sport and physical activity team at Barnsley Council).
“The proposal includes a corridor of planting long the south and western boundaries to enable the scheme to achieve biodiversity net gain on the site whilst also serving as a visual barrier between the new bungalows and adjacent existing properties.
“Overall, the proposal represents a well-balanced and sustainable development that meets identified care needs, respects its surroundings and delivers meaningful environmental and wider social and community benefits.”
But many residents are unhappy with the plans.
Marie Tidball, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, has said that she will submit her comments to the planning board before Thursday’s deadline.
She said: “I have had a number of constituents contacting me about the proposed development on Castle Lane in Penistone.
“In January I met with the Barnsley Council officers responsible for this planning application to ensure constituent’s views are heard and to seek assurances any development.
“I know that local residents are worried about losing the playing field and that the existing green space provides invaluable outdoor and community interaction.
“To address this, I have urged Barnsley Council to consider installing a multi-use playground nearby, and that this should be funded by the developer.
“I also asked officers to consider also installing a road crossing so children using any new play area would be able to safely access it.
“As an MP, I am not a Barnsley councillor and I do not have a vote or formal role in local planning.
“Constituents may wish to know that I will be submitting a comment on the planning application based on the views raised with me by constituents.
“I will be happy to share that comment with anyone who has raised this issue with me, and I can be reached at marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk.
“My only ability to influence planning decisions is to ensure the views of constituents is heard by those in positions of authority.
“I would advise anyone who objects to this proposal to contact their Penistone West ward councillors.
“It should be noted there will be new councillors in place after the local elections on May 7.
“The application is open for comments, and anyone wishing to share their views can do so until May 14.”
