Homes near church threaten sanctity, say residents

Hundreds of people are fighting revised plans for a housing development next to a church in Doncaster.

Ulmus Homes Ltd originally submitted a plan for six homes on derelict land next to St Leonard and St Mary’s Church in Armthorpe, which was rejected by Doncaster Council.

It has since offered a revised plan for five homes on the former farm site.

More than 260 residents have signed a petition opposing the plan, raising concerns over the impact on traffic levels and saying the development would undermine the “peace and sanctity” of the church.

The proposed site on what was Brook House Farm has been derelict for several years.

It borders the church and its graveyard at the bottom of Church Street, which is a dead-end road.

The site’s proposed access would be situated directly beside the churchyard’s gateway entrance, with opponents suggesting this could hinder church events such as weddings and funerals.

Concerns have also been raised over the development’s potential impact on the peacefulness of the graveyard and its sanctity as a religious site, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ulmus Homes Ltd's original plan for six homes was rejected in December 2023.

At that time planning officers said the scheme would have been an overdevelopment of the site, with an inappropriate layout and character, agreeing with concerns over highway safety.

The new application proposes a reduction to five homes, with other minor changes to layout and design.

Armthorpe Parish Council has continued to oppose the plans, citing concerns over the impact on traffic and character of the area.

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