Plan to build 18,000 homes in Doncaster by 2035 approved by government

The key planning document, which guides future development in the borough to 2035, will now head towards getting Full Council approval later this year.

The Local Plan includes details of plans to build 920 homes a year until 2035 and provide 481 hectares of business space.

The document, which will supersede previous planning policies, will act as a guide for officers and councillors when deciding on future developments.

Areas allocated as part of the Local Plan in Doncaster

Councillors have made objections to certain housing sites in their respective wards but the draft plan was passed with a big majority back in July 2019.

Mayor Ros Jones previously said the Local Plan is a ‘living document’ and will see yearly scrutiny.

A variety of colour coded maps have been published outlining where these sites will be.

Documents show 50 per cent of the housing requirement will be found in Doncaster’s ‘main urban centre’ which includes the town centre, Bentley, Balby, Bessacarr, Cantley, Edenthorpe, Intake, Scawsby, Scawthorpe and Woodfield Plantation.

These areas could provide up to 7,315 homes.

Making up another 40 per cent of the required housing target will come from the borough’s ‘main towns’ bracket.

The council say Mexborough could have between 475 to 985 homes and Thorne & Moorends might see anywhere from 520 to 1,020 properties being built.

Documents show 575 to 1,085 homes being built in Dunscroft, Dunsville, Hatfield & Stainforth, Conisbrough & Denaby, 465 to 975 and Armthorpe could result in up to 990 properties being built or anything as low as 420.

Space has been identified for 285 to 895 homes in Rossington and 255 to 765 in Adwick & Woodlands.Some 10 per cent of the final allocation of housing has been identified in areas classed as ‘service towns and larger villages’.

They include 250 homes in Carcroft and Skellow, 230 in Edlington, 165 in Tickhill, 165 in Askern, Auckley/Hayfield Green with 125, Bawtry 110, Barnby Dun 105, Sprotbrough 95 Barnburgh Harlington with 60 and Finningley could see 55 homes being built.

Between 30 and 70 homes could each be built in the villages of Arksey, Blaxton, Branton and Hatfield Woodhouse.Austerfield, Fishlake and Sykehouse between 15 and 20 homes while Braithwaite, Fenwick and Kirk Bramwith with five homes each.

The Local Plan has looked at flood risk, countryside, Green Belt, transportation, conservation and heritage. It has identified the potential development sites needed to ‘support economic growth and meet future housing needs’.

Consideration has also been given to the content of Neighbourhood Plans being developed by communities and supported by the council.

Consultation took place as part of the planning process with feedback received from over 1,200 people and businesses.

Councillor Nigel Ball, cabinet member for planning, said: “We are moving ever closer to getting our Local Plan adopted. It will help decide what is developed and where in the future.

“It’s going to shape the look and feel of Doncaster for future generations and guide where developments can take place, what new transport schemes we need and which parts of the borough remain as open space and countryside, protecting and enhancing our natural environment.”

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