Homes scheme is reconsidered after council error over petition

When planning board members first considered the application for five new houses on land behind a house known as The Elders, off Fishlake Nab in Fishlake, they were presented with a petition with 50 names of people who opposed the development.

They were also told of eight further letters of objection from neighbours and another objection from the parish council. However, it was only after councillors voted to refuse planning permission that they were told that a further petition, bearing 56 names in favour of the new homes, had been submitted.

In a new report set to go before today's planning board meeting, town planners say: "Due to a clerical error, a petition of 56 signatures in support of this application had not been reported to members when first considered by the planning committee on October 12.

"The petition was submitted supporting the growth of the village. The addition of smaller, more affordable housing would benefit younger people who would otherwise move away from the village as the larger houses on the market are too expensive.

"It would also help to support local businesses and reduce road journeys to access services in neighbouring towns."

Back in October, councillors went against officer recommendation and voted to refuse planning permission for the houses, on the grounds that the new homes would detract from the character and appearance of the surrounding Fishlake conservation area.

They had been told by Pam Harrison, the parish clerk for Fishlake Parish Council, that the proposed parking for 20 vehicles on the site was "excessive and unrealistic" and could lead to overdevelopment of what is currently a rural area.

The parish clerk said: "Long-term concerns have also been raised and, while it is accepted that the application in its current form is under consideration, members fear that with the amount of tarmac areas on the site this application may represent the first phase of overdevelopment."

Other objectors said that the new homes could create noise and pollution, could harm wildlife and could even damage the local housing market.

One opponent wrote to the council: "Although we can appreciate the need for quality infilling to be allowed – as long as this enhances or maintains village character – we cannot see how this development, which will fill between current housing and green belt, can enhance anything for the village or its residents."

However, town planners have advised members to grant planning permission when the application is considered today for a second time.

They say that "careful consideration" has been given to the style of the buildings and the plans have "taken account of the wider countryside setting."

In their report, the planners say: "The proposal tries to restore some of the original character by introducing trees throughout the site in the style of an orchard.

"On balance, it is considered that the harm to the conservation area by the redevelopment of what is largely an empty field with a small-scale, low-density housing scheme does not unacceptably detract from the conservation area and may add to the character of its surroundings.

"The harm to the conservation area and the redevelopment of the site is not considered to be so detrimental that it warrants a refusal and it is recommended for approval."

Today's planning meeting begins at 2pm at the Mansion House.

A spokesman for Doncaster Council declined to comment on the error made regarding the petition.