Council reveals plans for traveller and housing sites

RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on proposals for the area for the next 15 to 20 years - which include traveller sites and housing developments.

Barnsley Council has published its plans for Wombwell, Darfield, Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and Bolton-on-Dearne.

Council chiefs are now asking residents to comment on the Development Sites and Places document which shows the future use of every single piece of land within the borough including green belt.

A spokeswoman for Barnsley Council said: “These proposals will potentially affect everyone who lives, works or invests in Barnsley.

“The comments received as a result of the consultation will be carefully considered and taken into account and a summary of all the comments received will be made available by early next year.”

Among the sites earmarked for development is land off Doncaster Road at Darfield which is classified as a potential site for gypsies, travellers and travelling show people.

The borough currently provides three sites at Ings Road, Wombwell, Smithes Lane, Barnsley and Burntwood Cottages in Great Houghton.

A council spokeswoman said: “These site are shown on the proposal maps as existing sites and will be retained as such with no other development being allowed.

“Research has identified a need for an additional 38 pitches in Barnsley between 2011 and 2016.”

The document identifies 408 hectares of land for possible housing sites including three in Wombwell and Darfield; land north of Barnsley Road, the former Wombwell High School and the former playing fields in Darfield.

The development of all three sites is likely to involve the loss of existing green space.

Plans for Thurnscoe include the extension of Fields End Business Park and Lidgett Lane Industrial Estate as well as significant redevelopment at the former Reema Estate.

There is also the potential for development of part of the former Dearne High playing fields at Clayton Lane in Thurnscoe.

In Goldthorpe, as well as new housing sites, the document identifies a location for a new primary school.

The document will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

The formal consultation period will run until Friday, September 28.

The document is available at libraries, on-line or as a paper copy (there is a charge for paper copies).

For more information visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/environment-and-planning/planning/local-plans/ or contact 01226 772606.