Plans still in pipeline for ‘rural leisure centre’ in Doncaster with triathlons, outdoor gym, football pitches and holiday cabins

Plans put forward by applicant Tom Lewis includes an outdoor gym, a lake for open water swimming, 3G football pitches, a 1,000 metre running and cycling loop, studio room, changing facilities, horse livery, camping and touring caravan pitches and holiday log cabins.

The site, planned on land south of Hayfield Lane in Auckley, was first submitted just weeks before the Covid-19 pandemic and has received support and objections from residents.

Plans show the main clubhouse and cafe will be limited to a single storey with a shallow pitched roof finished in black profiled sheeting and timber cladding to the walls.

The six log cabins located around the perimeter of the lake and four stables to serve the horse livery will be constructed in similar materials.

There will be six pitches for touring caravans. An outdoor games area and car park for 44 cars will be constructed close to the access from Hayfield Lane.

Auckley Parish Council has submitted an objection to the plans and cite traffic concerns and poor access from Hayfield Lane.

Ward councillor Steve Cox also objected to the plans.

He said: “My reasoning for this is, given the amount of traffic using Hurst Lane and statistics given for previous applications.

“One of which would be Yorkshire Wildlife Park and the impact on the junction of Hayfield Lane and Hurst Lane. Also the masterplan for DSA that shows a vast amount of building in the pipeline.

“An application was also put forward for one static unit on the site opposite on Hayfield Lakes that was for a person that is a dog trainer. This application was refused.”

But Tom Buckingham from Sprotbrough supported the plans.

He said: “I think this a great facility that is offered, not only to the community of Doncaster, but will attract people from afar.

“This looks an amazing set up and I can only think of positives that this facility will offer. This will encourage people to participate in outdoor activities in a tranquil setting.

“I really look forward to seeing this develop and I can’t wait to visit the facility.”

Applicant Tom Lewis said: “The application site presently constitutes some agricultural land located off Hayfield Lane, Auckley.

“Hayfield Lane was previously a ‘through road’ with a junction onto the A638 but in the last few years has been terminated short of this junction and is now a cul-de-sac with access only from Hurst Lane. The proposal is to create a rural fitness centre.

“The majority of the elements are ‘open land based’ activities with indoor exercise opportunities that cannot be undertaken outdoors and for other activities during inclement weather.”