Plans for 228 homes in Rawmarsh set for approval despite traffic and wildlife concerns
The homes will be build on land north of Grange Road and off Priestley Avenue in Rawmarsh.
Plans to build more than 200 homes in Rawmarsh are set to be approved by councillors, despite dozens of objections from residents.
Taylor Wimpey Limited has applied to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to build 228 homes with open space, landscaping and drainage infrastructure on land north of Grange Road and off Priestley Avenue in Rawmarsh.
Access to the development would be taken from Grange Road, with a secondary access proposed via Priestley Avenue.
The development would include 25 per cent affordable housing, equating to 57 homes, secured through a Section 106 agreement.
It would be made up of a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, with three-bedroom properties making up the majority of the scheme.
The proposal will be decided by the council’s planning board on March 19 after attracting 44 objections.
Objectors raised concerns around increased traffic and congestion, loss of green space, potential impact on wildlife and biodiversity, ‘insufficient’ access and loss of privacy.
Others questioned whether the area’s infrastructure could cope with hundreds of new residents, warning of pressure on schools, GP surgeries and dentists.
There were also questions about drainage arrangements, utilities and the safety of overhead power lines near the site.
However, in a report to councillors, planning officers say the concerns have been addressed through a number of planning conditions and developer contributions.
Highways officers raised no objections, subject to funding being secured for transport improvements.
The developer will contribute at least £429,321 towards local infrastructure, including £149,500 for greenspace improvements, £105,715 for playing pitch provision, £114,000 for sustainable transport measures and £60,106 for bus stop upgrades, alongside additional funding towards primary school places and investigations into junction improvements.
Planning officers said that although the site is designated as safeguarded land rather than specifically allocated for housing, the council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. As a result, the proposal is considered acceptable under the planning system’s “tilted balance”, which allows developments to proceed where the benefits outweigh potential harm. Officers concluded the site is large enough to accommodate the 228 homes proposed.
The report also said the layout represents an appropriate design that reflects the character of the surrounding area while providing landscaping and public open space. The development would also deliver a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain, and officers have recommended the plans for approval subject to conditions.