Controversial £16m Doncaster retirement flats scheme 'crucially' meets need, claims developer after winning appeal

Plans to build the properties near Doncaster have been given the go-ahead after an appeal, after Doncaster Council had initially rejected the project because they did not support plans for a three story block, believing the real need was for bungalows, as well as traffic and environmental concerns.

The development, located off Highfield Road in Askern, will comprise of 56 affordable houses, 12 retirement living bungalows and a three-storey building that will accommodate 58, one and two bedroom retirement apartments with communal facilities, landscaped gardens and dedicated parking area.

The bungalows and retirement building have been designed by Leeds based Brewster Bye Architects for Esh Construction.

Chris Hale, Estimating Director at Esh Construction, said: “We are delighted to see this scheme which has been long in the making finally come to fruition. The development is a result of a huge effort from the project team and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in getting to this point. Esh Construction has circa £35m of land led projects on site or due to commence, and this represents a strong part of our affordable housing division’s future workload.”

Mark Henderson, from Brewster Bye, said: “Securing planning permission is a fantastic result for everyone involved with the development, and for Doncaster as a whole. The site was allocated for housing in the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan and lies within an area that is promoted for housing in the Core Strategy.

“Crucially it meets an identified need in the area to provide two, three and four bedroom properties whilst the retirement living element of the development also meets the requirements of an ageing population. Once complete, it will offer a much-needed mix of homes for local people and will be a wonderful place to live that will further enhance the vibrancy of the local area.”

Doncaster ward councillors representing Askern, as well as Askern Town Council member Francis Jackson, spoke in opposition to the plans at the original council planning meeting, and all said the site should be developed for bungalows as there was a big demand in the area.