Authorities blocks Sheffield residential development

COUNCILLORS have blocked a proposed housing development close to Sheffield Parkway after residents and businesses objected the plans.

Langtree Group had sought permission from Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to build 64 homes on green space in Catcliffe. The developer amended its initial bid to build 72 properties after objections from locals.

Rotherham’s planning board received 70 letters of protesting the plan, including one from Catcliffe Parish Council, as well as a petition signed by 119 people. Cllr Andrew Roddison was also among the objectors.

Many of the concerns centred on the development’s proposed access road, Blue Mans Way, which was said to be “too narrow” and to contain “excessive on street parking”, a planning board report said.

Objectors said the development could be impact safety in the area, as well as putting further pressure on local schools, shops and infrastructure. Removing green space would also be detrimental to the community and could risk flooding from the River Rother, they argued.

Rotherham confirmed it would refuse the planning application following the planning board meeting earlier this month.