Homes plan approved despite dozens of objections

Plans for more than 100 new homes on land in Rotherham have been approved by councillors, despite more than 60 objections from residents.

The main concerns raised were about traffic, loss of green space and pressure on local services.

The development in Aston includes a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, as well as 12 bungalows

Councillors voted to grant permission for the development at a meeting earlier.

The scheme from developer Gleeson Homes will see 107 properties built on a 3.86-hectare site to the south of Aston, close to the A57 and the Mansfield Road industrial estate.

In total, 73 letters opposing the development were received, representing 66 separate objectors, including Anston Parish Council.

Issues raised included pressure on already overstretched services such as GPs, dentists, schools and public transport, increased traffic and safety issues on Mansfield Road.

Anston Parish Council said the proposal would be an unsustainable greenfield development, with inadequate public transport and a heavy reliance on car use.

Rotherham Council planning officers said that the site is allocated for development in the council's adopted Local Plan and that the authority cannot currently demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, which tilted the balance in favour of the development.

Permission was granted subject to a Section 106 legal agreement, something which includes conditions to help make new home schemes more attractive to communities.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, there is a requirement for nine affordable homes in the development.

In addition, £327,189 is to be provided towards secondary education at Aston Academy, £104,000 for additional consulting rooms at Swallownest Health Centre, £53,500 to promote sustainable transport and up to £67,203 towards local sports pitch provision.

Funding has also been secured for improved bus stops, long-term habitat management and the creation of a management company to maintain green spaces on the site.

Gleeson Homes said the scheme had been reduced from an earlier proposal and included mitigation measures to address highways, drainage and environmental concerns.

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