Objections lodged to home scheme for former pub site

Keptcastle Ltd has applied to build 17 houses where the Cutting Edge pub stood in Bank End Road, until it was demolished last winter.

The pub hit the headlines in May last year when landlady Kerry Fenton, who was trying to turn around the ailing business, set up a "smoking research centre" in a separate room in a bid to circumvent the smoking ban.

However, after just a few days, the pub reverted to its smoke-free status, following pressure from both Barnsley Council and owner Punch Taverns. The Cutting Edge later closed.

Now, the site has been earmarked for housing, although the application from Keptcastle has been recommended for refusal by Barnsley Council planners.

Set around a cul-de-sac, the plans are for three terraces, three pairs of semi-detached houses and two detached houses.

So far 10 letters of objection have been submitted by neighbours, who say the proposed development is "visually overbearing" and out of keeping with existing properties within the area.

Other opponents say neighbouring properties will be overlooked, the new houses would create congestion on the roads and any redevelopment should have a "community facility" to replace The Cutting Edge.

Town planners say that, although the site is suitable for residential purposes and is on a "highly sustainable location within a strategic area of Worsbrough", the proposals are unacceptable.

Their report is set to go before a Barnsley Council planning meeting on Tuesday, April 6.