Waverley community changes at Waverley New Community off Highfield Spring, Waverley

What was proposed

The application sought changes to highway conditions and the related legal agreement for a planned community of up to 3,890 homes and supporting uses.

“Proposal and Location Continuation of outline application with all matters reserved except for the means of access for a new community comprising residential (up to 3890 units), commercial development (including office, live/work, retail, financial and professional services, restaurants, snack bars and cafes, drinking establishments, hot- food takeaways, entertainment and leisure uses and a hotel) and open space (including parkland and public realm, sport and recreation…”

“The application seeks permission under S73 to vary conditions attached to the outline permission as well as amendments to the S106 Agreement linked to the permission. This application seeks amendments to Conditions 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20, which all relate to Highway related issues.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The 230-hectare site is a restored former opencast mine where construction of the new community has begun, following outline permission granted in 2011.

“The entire application site occupies an area of approximately 230 hectares and comprises of the major part of the former Orgreave opencast mining site. Opencast mining operations ceased in January 2006 and following restoration construction has commenced on the New Community.”

“The original outline planning application (RB2008/1372) for Waverley New Community was granted in 2011 for the following:”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council, neighbouring authority, national highways, environmental and education consultees raised no objections to the proposed amendments.

“RMBC Transportation Unit – No objections to the proposed amendments.”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

Eighty-three representations raised concerns about school capacity, traffic safety, crossings, traffic calming, environmental information and open-space arrangements.

“School Issues • School provision on the estate is already undersubscribed so loss of second school should not be removed as there will be further under provision on the future. The school is not big enough for the size of the estate.”

“Concerns are raised about junctions with roads joining Highfield Lane, and speeding on the road • Additional speed reduction measures and zebra crossings should be provided • Condition 16 – often queues particularly with M1 closures and diversions – how will traffic calming measures deter drivers cutting through • Condition 17 - any scheme to reduce traffic going through Catcliffe should take into account the no access route on Sheffield Lane that is increasingly used a…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent, a councillor, the community council and three local residents requested speaking opportunities at the meeting.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted both applications for the reasons adopted at the meeting and subject to the relevant conditions in the reports.

“(2) That applications RB2026/0633 and RB2026/0716 be granted for the reasons adopted by Members at the meeting and subject to the relevant conditions listed in the submitted reports.”

Minutes