Draft plans featuring proposals for 1,500 homes are approved by councillors

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s Cabinet has approved a proposed draft Masterplan Framework for Carlton, paving the way for another 1,500 homes.

The council’s Local Plan was adopted on 3 January 2019 and allocated land for the development of two mixed-use sites:

• MU2 – land between Fish Dam Lane and Carlton Road
• MU3 – land off Shaw Lane, Carlton

The masterplan is designed to provide housing within a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment linking to surrounding outdoor spaces such as Carlton Marsh Nature Reserve, the Trans Pennine Trail and the National Cycle Network.

A community consultation exercise was held to gather views on the draft Carlton Masterplan Framework from Wednesday 16 June to Wednesday 28 July 2021 and led to the following key changes:

• 1,500 new homes rather than 2,000 initially proposed.
• Relocated community garden and green space to be closer to existing community.
• Full retention and enhancement of Wharncliffe Woodmoor green space, recognising this key community asset.
• Relocated railway station to better serve existing communities.

The final version of the Masterplan Framework will now be presented to Full Council for adoption on Thursday 25 November. Overall, this will deliver:

• The revised 1,500 new homes, a small local shop, and a community garden.
• Proposals for a 210-pupil expansion to Carlton Primary Academy.
• Opportunity for future business expansion in the area.
• Wharncliffe Woodmoor will be a key community green space central to the masterplan with green corridors through the site, connecting to Carlton Marsh.

The Government has said Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council must provide 21,524 new homes by 2033. The council says the Carlton development will bring forward much-needed housing for its residents.

As part of a separate project, plans for a new rail station to reopen the freight line for passengers between Wakefield and Barnsley are being explored.

There are also wider strategic transport ambitions for a Carlton, Royston relief road that will reduce the impact of the development on local communities, providing better connectivity to the site.

Councillor Tim Cheetham, cabinet spokesman for regeneration and culture, said: “Like all Planning Authorities, we have a difficult task in making sure we provide enough homes to meet targets imposed by national Government, while at the same time protecting important features within sites such as those at Carlton.

“The Carlton Masterplan Framework will help deliver a sustainable, high-quality development with the proper infrastructure to make sure it integrates with our existing communities.

“The framework will help to establish and enhance wildlife corridors as well as the Trans Pennine Trail and National Cycle Network to connect the site from north to south.

“It also recognises the need for additional school places and that highway improvements are needed, as well as providing the opportunity for significant jobs growth and business expansion in the future.

“Without a framework in place, developers and landowners could bring forward planning applications to develop their own sites without properly considering the overall infrastructure requirements.

“The masterplan has been amended significantly following the public consultation and constructive input from local community groups and residents.

“These amendments demonstrate our commitment to listen to and implement the wishes of residents and community groups where it is warranted, and we are able to do so.”