Plans for 228 new homes recommended for approval

Plans to build more than 200 homes in Rotherham are set to be approved by councillors, despite dozens of objections from residents.

Taylor Wimpey Limited has applied to Rotherham Council to build 228 homes on land north of Grange Road in Rawmarsh.

In total, 44 objections to the scheme have been lodged, citing increased traffic, loss of green space and increased pressure on local services.

A council report said the issues would be addressed through a number of planning conditions and developer contributions. A final decision is due to be made on 19 March 19.

According to planning documents the site would be accessed from Grange Road, with a secondary route via Priestley Avenue, and would be predominantly made up of a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Taylor Wimpey said a quarter of the properties would be designated as affordable housing.

Objectors to the plans have expressed their concerns about increased traffic and congestion, the loss of green space and the potential impact on wildlife and biodiversity, as well as worries about loss of privacy.

Questions have also been raised over whether the area's infrastructure could cope with hundreds of new residents, warning of pressure on schools, GP surgeries and dentists.

In a report to councillors, planning officers said the developer would contribute at least £429,000 towards local infrastructure, including money for green space improvements, the provision of a playing pitch and money for sustainable transport measures. There would also be additional funding towards primary school places.

They went on to say that although the site is designated as safeguarded land rather than specifically allocated for housing, the council currently cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

As a result, the proposal is considered acceptable under the planning system's "tilted balance", which allows developments to proceed where the benefits outweigh potential harm.

Highways officers raised no objections, subject to funding being secured for transport improvements.

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