Developer wins appeal to build 200 new homes

A council's decision to refuse permission for a development of more than 200 new homes has been overturned by a government planning inspector.

Applicants Network Space Developments Ltd were told that concerns over road safety, insufficient drainage and a lack of infrastructure made the scheme on Shaw Lane in Carlton, Barnsley, unsuitable.

The developer was also advised it had not "adequately assessed the impact" on the nearby Site of Scientific Interest at Carlton Marsh.

Network Space appealed Barnsley Council's ruling and a hearing has now found in the company's favour and it has been granted consent for the project.

Council planners had also objected to the housing density, which fell short of the requirement for 1,500 new homes set out in its masterplan for Carlton.

However, the inspector said the difference in numbers was "negligible" and would not prevent higher densities on other parts of the wider development site.

The applicant agreed to build traffic lights at the junction of Shaw Lane and Church Lane to reduce safety concerns.

A spine road would also be provided to lessen congestion, footpaths widened and a new toucan crossing built at the entrance of the development to give access to the Trans Pennine Trail.

The developer also submitted updated ecological surveys as part of the appeal which reported that the site had low value to nature and could achieve a biodiversity "net gain" of 10% through conditions in the planning process.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Barnsley Council withdrew its objections in August, concluding that the planning balance had "shifted".

However, there was still opposition from local residents with concerns about drainage and ecology, which were considered by the inspector, as well as the impact on school places and health services.

The developer's Section 106 agreement includes financial contributions towards education and recreation.

When the estate is built, 10% of homes would be designated as affordable and 2.5% reserved for first-time buyers.

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