Homes plan for ex-steelworks site

The Co-operative Group’s blueprint for the site in Penistone, near Barnsley, shows two-, three- and four-bedroom homes, with a quarter designated as affordable.

The proposed development, off Laird’s Way, Sheffield Road, is on the site of the former Cammell Laird steelworks which closed in the 1930s. The steelwork buildings were demolished and the land has since lain derelict.

Matthew Stafford, of the Co-operative, said it would boost the local economy and council coffers.

“The application provides a unique opportunity to secure the development of vacant and derelict brownfield land, which is currently a wasted resource,” he said.

Mr Stafford said Barnsley Council had identified Penistone as needing hundreds of new homes.

He added: “The use of this brownfield site for housing could make an immediate contribution to Barnsley’s overall housing needs.

“On this basis, Laird’s Way represents a sustainable and deliverable previously developed site, in single ownership, that would be immediately available and attractive to housing developers.”