Folk flock to view big housing plans

Anston folk turned out in their numbers to see big plans for housing and employment land in the village and across Rotherham.
North Anston Parish Hall was the venue for Rotherham Borough residents to view Rotherham Council's draft plan for development over the next 15 yearsNorth Anston Parish Hall was the venue for Rotherham Borough residents to view Rotherham Council's draft plan for development over the next 15 years
North Anston Parish Hall was the venue for Rotherham Borough residents to view Rotherham Council's draft plan for development over the next 15 years

The consultation drop-in event at Anston Parish Hall on Tuesday 4th June was organised by Rotherham Council. It was the second of 12 set to take place before 29th July 2013.

The aim was to tell people about the draft Local Plan. It has been drawn up to guide development across Rotherham over the next 15 years.

Large scale maps were available to view and planning officers were on hand to answer questions and listen to feedback.

North Anston has just one proposed housing development site for 30 homes on the former Plaxton depot, west of Ryton Road.

But three areas of green belt land are ‘safeguarded’ until after 2028, and released from the green belt.

After 2028, a possible 287 homes could be built on the sites - east of Penny Piece Lane, south of Woodsetts Road and north of Rackford Road.

“Actually there are not that many houses planned for Anston, but wherever they are going to be built in the wider area it will impact on infrastructure and facilities,” said Orchard Avenue resident Marian Burbridge.

“It’s alright building extra houses but we need more facilities for those extra people who will be moving in.”

Elaine Maughan, of Narrow Lane, said: “Why are so many houses up for sale when you look around? You hear that people are crying out for houses but why aren’t they selling?”

“I want to know how many of the new homes will be affordable.”

Todwick couple Lynda and Lawrence Shepherd said a plot of land which was earmarked for housing in the 2011 draft of the Local Plan, and which borders their property, had been removed from the plan.

Instead 54 homes are allocated near Goosecarr Lane.

Find out more about the Rotherham Local Plan at www.rotherham.gov.uk/localplan