242 homes approved in Doncaster town

The Knox and Brookes Trust can now build 207 homes on land south of Alexandra Street in Thorne.

Councillors were unanimous in passing the application, the land is included in the emerging Local Plan which outlines areas for future development.

The site lies to the west of the Thorne, with homes on Hawthorne Road and Highfield Crescent on its eastern and southern boundaries. To the west of the site lies North Eastern Railway's Hull and Doncaster Branch lines.

Doncaster Council’s planning department received 23 objections from nearby residents over the loss of trees, impact on roads and concerns over school capacity and other facilities in the area.

Privacy concerns, flood risk and the removal of a play space were also noted.

Thorne Moorends Town Council supported the application in principle but does have ‘concerns over the access and egress’ to and from the site.

The Knox and Brooks Trust will have to provide around £1.1 million under a Section 106 agreement to provide an extra 31 school places.

It will also have to provide signalised junctions at A614 Selby Road/Omega Boulevard and at King Street/Field Road.

The western side of Alexandra Road which meets Lands End Road will also be widened.

A second scheme for 35 homes north of Alexandra Street was also granted, despite officers recommending the application should be refused because the land is defined in the countryside policy area.

Chair of the planning committee, and Thorne & Moorends councillor, Susan Durant, used her deciding vote to pass the application after five members voted for and five against.

Thorne & Moorends councillor Joe Blackham spoke in favour of both proposals.

Coun Blackham also made the admission he was ‘removed as the political lead’ on the Local Plan by monitoring officer Scott Fawcus because he 'owns land in Moorends'.

Coun Blackham said the 35 homes proposal was being ‘constrained’ by ‘out of date policy’.

“This will benefit the economy of Thorne and Moorends and there is no justification for refusal. This application is a sustainable site in a sustainable location.”

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