Homes set to be built on former garden centre site

Plans to build 32 homes on the site of a former garden centre near Rotherham are set to be approved despite residents' objections.

The development by Avant Homes involves converting four Grade II listed barns into homes on the site in Thrybergh, which was previously home to Fosters Garden Centre.

Some residents have opposed the plans because of concerns about increased traffic, impact on local services and potential privacy issues.

If approved, the council will require Avant to pay almost £70,000 to fund sustainable transport, solar powered bus shelters and healthcare services in the area.

Residents have also voiced fears the development could lead to further strain on schools and GP surgeries, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, the council's education department said local schools were not oversubscribed and extra funding for school places was not needed.

Other concerns raised included the potential environmental impact of the plans as the site is home to one of the largest bat roosts in South Yorkshire.

The South Yorkshire Bat Group has recommended the council impose conditions to protect the creatures.

According to council papers, no demolition or construction work will be carried out until Natural England has approved a protected species mitigation licence, while the council’s ecologist has recommended the room below the roost is not converted to residential use.

A decision on the proposed development, which has been recommended for approval by officers, is due to be made on 10 October.