'Too many comments to publish' on travellers' site applicaton

SO many people have commented on plans for a travellers’ site near the land earmarked for a £37 million theme park that Rotherham Borough Council cannot publish them all online.

The Advertiser reported last month that a planning application had been submitted for 12 traveller pitches and screening on land just off Chesterfield Road at Swallownest.

The development would be built next to the Pithouse site (pictured), where national chain Gulliver’s hope to build a theme park, adventure centre, glamping woodland lodges, a hotel and holiday village.

Now, the controversial proposals have led to an “overwhelming number” of comments from those living close to the site.

A council spokesman said: “Due to the overwhelming number of comments we have had for this application they are not available to view online.

“However, please note that all comments will be taken into consideration before a decision is made.”

Campaigners have vowed to fight against the plans.

One resident said: “I object totally to this application. It’s near a family pub and opposite an entrance to Rother Valley Country Park.

“I believe the council want to improve the area and make it more family-orientated. There is also the planned theme park which will create jobs and revenue for the area.

“There is no logic in thinking this will even be allowed to go to planning stage.”

But a design and access statement submitted with the application said “the site may be accessed without having to travel through any towns or villages and is ideally located”.

The Gulliver’s Valley resort - which is expected to create around 255 jobs - would also include guest accommodation and community facilities, plus nature trails, walks, outdoor gyms and woodland runs.

If approved, it will be built in five phases over a 12-year period.

It follows previous failed attempts to develop the green belt site.

In 2011, leisure organisation China Vision were confirmed as preferred developers for the site to create a Chinese-themed attraction but last year a new partner was sought by the council following a lack of progress with that plan.

A previous proposal for it to be the home of a 5,000-seater arena for the Sheffield Steelers ice hockey team as part of the doomed YES! Project was also scrapped.

For more information on the travellers’ site visit www.rotherham.gov.uk.