Plan for offices, gym and playgroup in Doncaster town rejected by councillors

Applicants James and Albert Clarke put forward a proposal on land off South End in Thorne.

Doncaster Council officers recommended planning committee members to approve the application, but objections to the proposal came from Thorne councillor Mark Houlbrook who said the development was in the ‘wrong place’ and was a risk to traffic due to its location close to a blind bend.

Fellow Thorne councillor, and chair of the planning committee Susan Durant, used her extra vote in the result of a tie to reject the motion.

The Environment Agency had initially objected but later removed its concerns following commitments by the applicant to introduce measures to decrease flood risk.

But some councillors, including Coun Durant, said the development was ‘inappropriate for the area’ and raised issues over access and egress to the proposed site.

Resident Dennis Poskitt, who objected to the plan, also spoke at the meeting.

He said: “Not enough attention is being made about the flooding under the bridge – it happens every time we get a storm.

“The water runs down from Thorne South Station and floods. Under that bridge, the drainage is inadequate.

“The area being also used for industrial purposes is completely out of character to South End. We’ve got industrial units on the north end of Thorne and plenty of land that can be used for this purpose so why spoil a lovely part of Thorne?”

Council planning officer Mary Fleet said: “The proposal is considered to be acceptable in policy terms being sited on land designated in the Doncaster Unitary Development Plan as for mixed use development.

"This site is one of three sites which are linked by the canal and designated as being for a range of uses

“There are no material planning considerations that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the social, economic or environmental benefits of the proposal in this location.

“The development would not cause undue harm to the neighbouring properties, the highway network, rail network or the wider character of the area.”

Councillors voted six against and five in favour of rejecting the application.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.