126-home residential development at Land north of Keresforth Road, Dodworth, Barnsley

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for up to 126 homes, associated works and full access details, with other matters reserved for later approval.

“The application seeks outline consent for residential development along with full access details (other matters reserved). The application site and the land to the north is allocated for residential development as per site reference: HS10 in the adopted Barnsley Local Plan. This application does not look to develop the entirety of the allocation with the northern parcel and western edge excluded (see plan below). The site is also designated Green Space.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The site is a narrow, sloping area beside the M1, bordered by housing, woodland, trees, watercourses and public rights of way.

“Keresforth Road and Woodend Court define the very southern point of the application site. The western boundary is bounded by a substantial belt of mature trees, the majority of which lie outside the application site and remain under other ownership (though form the western part of the allocation). Hedgerow and trees also form the eastern boundary, adjacent to the motorway slip road.”

“Needle Eye Wood is located to the south-east of the application site, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (ref: W1). Adjacent to the woodland is an existing Public Right of Way (PROW) which passes over the pedestrian bridge above the M1 Motorway (path number: 272) and runs east-west across the southern part of the site, connecting into the alleyway off Lambert Fold. A separate PROW (path number: 278) runs southwards towards Keresforth Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included a withdrawn proposal for 146 homes and historic applications for access, dwellings, barn conversion and residential development.

“Application Reference Application description Status 2018/0456 Residential development of 146 dwellings with access, car parking , landscaping and ancillary works WITHDRAWN B/00/0131/DO Construction of access, erect three dwellings and conversion of barn to two dwellings HISTORIC B/81/0468/DO Outline for residential development HISTORIC”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site was allocated for housing and the identified environmental, highway and amenity impacts could be addressed through conditions and contributions.

“Air Quality Considerations Significant Drainage & Flood Risk Considerations Considerable Summary of Environmental Impacts Significant Housing Supply Substantial Impact upon Residential Amenity Significant Summary of Social Impacts Substantial Job Creation/Economic Benefits Moderate Financial Contributions, Planning Obligations and Viability Substantial Summary of Economic Impacts Moderate Considerations of Other Neighbour Representations Limited…”

“Whilst the loss of the designated Greenspace is unfortunate, the benefits associated with the delivery of residential development at an allocated housing site is considered to outweigh the harm introduced by the loss of Greenspace.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Most consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, including requirements covering flooding, drainage, highways, ecology, trees, ground conditions and contributions.

“No high value category A or B trees or groups are to be removed; • 9 Category C trees to be removed; • 1 Category C group of trees to be partially removed; • 1 Category C group of trees to be removed in full; • 2 Category U trees to be removed; • 2 Category U groups of trees to be removed in full.”

“Yorkshire Water- No objection subject to conditions in relation to full details of foul water disposal and foul water sewerage; separate drainage systems and no piped discharge of surface water. The requirements of the suggested conditions have been included within the conditions suggested by the BMBC Drainage team, rather than repeated.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents submitted 154 representations, raising concerns about traffic, services, green space, trees, wildlife, flooding, pollution, amenity, scale and viability.

“- Insufficient/out of date information; - Highway safety issues/traffic/congestion; - Impact on local services/infrastructure; - Loss of green space/greenbelt; - Loss of trees/queries regarding trees to be retained; - Impact upon wildlife & habitats; - Impact upon mental and physical wellbeing; - Flood risk; - Pollution/noise and construction impacts; - Large/ugly acoustic fence; - Increased number of houses compared to previous application; - South Road /other access…”

“In addition to the above concerns, the following non-material issues were raised: - Impact on property values; - Suicides impact traffic flow; - Loss of view; - Local plan should be reviewed/impartiality of Planning Board Members; - Dangerous due to steep banking/ damage to nearby bridge;”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker attended and spoke against the officer recommendation to approve the application.

The committee vote

Members voted on an amendment to defer the application pending a site visit, with eleven councillors supporting it and none opposing.

“In accordance with agreed protocol, a recorded vote was taken on this planning application with the amendment to DEFER the application pending a site visit.”

“No Councillors voted against the amendment to defer the application pending a site visit.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was deferred pending a site visit scheduled for Tuesday 29 September 2026.

“RESOLVED that Members DEFFERED the application pending a site visit on Tuesday 29 September 2026.”

Minutes