Permission secured for more than 300 homes

Approval has been granted for 311 new homes in the West Melton area of Rotherham.

The proposals submitted by housebuilder Persimmon will see significant investment in the local area alongside the houses.

With construction to start in the coming weeks, the development located off Barnsley Road in West Melton will provide a mix of two to five-bedroom houses.

58 of the 311 homes will be transferred to a housing association or local authority.

A further 20 properties will be sold via the First Homes initiative, where eligible first-time buyers can get a discount of at least 30% off the price of a new home.

Persimmon has pledged financial contributions towards local amenities, including improvements to local bus shelters serving the community and maintaining existing public play areas at West Melton Park and Bierlow Park.

Funding will also be provided to improve infrastructure and local amenities including education, transport and sports provision.

A total of £1.05m will be contributed by Persimmon, with over £600,000 going to local schools.

Residents will benefit from over 2.5 hectares of public open space and a new footpath network to encourage active travel.

Mark Beevers, senior land and planning manager for Persimmon South Yorkshire, said: “We’re happy that this development has taken another significant step forward.

“These exciting plans will deliver a wealth of benefits to the local community in addition to much needed, high quality new housing for local families, first-time buyers and downsizers who otherwise might struggle to get on the housing ladder.”