Major South Yorkshire employment site brought forward

A proposed employment site in Doncaster, which could create up to 3,500 jobs, is being brought forward by developers.

The 195-acre development is currently marked as an ‘option’ in the town’s Local Plan, but the developers are now pushing it to be allocated in the next stage of the Plan so it can be delivered as quickly as possible.

Blue Anchor Leisure, the owner of the site, is urging the Council to include it in the Plan because “it offers more benefits and less constraints than the other major employment sites currently earmarked for inclusion in the Plan.”

Known as West Moor Park East, the site is located in Armthorpe and sits next to the Next Distribution centre.

Jonathan Moses, a director of Blue Anchor Leisure, said: “We firmly believe that this site will drive economic development in Doncaster and will create well paid jobs for local people and so should be in the Local Plan.

“Coming from Doncaster, I want to bring back manufacturing jobs and businesses to the area, building on its rich industrial heritage. It is in single ownership, has definite interest from major developers already and is strategically located for key transport links.”

The draft Local Plan is expected to be published by the Council in March, which will then be subject to further consultation before being examined by a Government Planning Inspector.

Moses added: “If this site is allocated in the Local Plan, work could start within 12 months and it could be fully completed in five years. Unlike other sites earmarked for allocation, West Moor Park East will focus on high end industrial jobs, rather than limited amounts of logistic jobs.

“We hope the Council grasps the opportunity and allocates this, along with the other sites, to increase the range and choice of employment opportunities in the area, which will help Doncaster thrive in future years.”