Developers given permission to build 156 new properties next to Doncaster lake

Keepmoat Homes has been given the green light to construct a mixture of semi-detached and detached houses alongside four blocks of apartments on Doncaster Council-owned land off Lakeside Boulevard.

Councillors unanimously approved the proposal which Keepmoat bosses say they aim to have the properties on the market by the Summer of 2021.

The layout of the development is in the form of a number of cul-de-sacs taken from two main access points into the site. The layout and mixture of properties ‘takes the opportunity to make use of the views across the lake’, planning officials said.

David Lynch from Keepmoat Homes, said: “We have a passion for local delivery and with our head office in Doncaster, we are extremely proud and excited about delivering this project and this is a flag project for the company which further strengthens our commitment to the borough.

“We are committed to starting on site as soon as we can and delivering homes for the market by the Summer of 2021.”

The scheme received 36 objections - mainly from nearby residents whose properties currently face the lake.

Reasons for objection from residents included an increase in traffic generation, density of housing, lack of visitor parking and the loss of wildlife habitat.

Others raised issues around an increase in litter, lack of green open space and highways safety.

DMBC planning officer Dave Richards, said: “A number of residents have raised the potential loss of views over the lake as a consideration.

“Whilst visual amenity is taken into account, the right to a view is not protected in the planning system. Furthermore, some residents have expressed concern over the potential impact to property prices if the development was constructed.

“Given there are many factors which can affect property prices, this also cannot be a material planning consideration.”

The plans also include a central open space area and around £775,000 to provide 31 extra places at Bessacarr Primary and 22 at Hall Cross Academy through a Section 106 agreement.

Around 200 extra trees will be planted as a result of the loss of ecology on the site.

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