Battle over plans to build housing development on 'irreplaceable' former sports ground near landmark pub

By Danielle Andrews, Local Democracy Reporter
Published 9th Nov 2021, 15:37 BST
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A public inquiry which will make the final call on whether a rejected 116-home development should be built in Rotherham started today (November 9).

Developer Newett Homes appealed to overturn Rotherham Council’s decision to refuse plans for more than 100 homes on The Pitches at Stag in Broom.

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Developers launch appeal to build homes on former Rotherham sports ground

Plans for 116 homes at the site were recommended for approval at Rotherham Council’s planning board meeting on March 18, but were refused by councillors.

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A planning inquiry has been launched into the matter.A planning inquiry has been launched into the matter.
A planning inquiry has been launched into the matter.

However, the decision could be overturned by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

The 3.8 hectare site was used for bowls, football, tennis cricket, and hockey, but planning documents state it has not been used for this purpose in the last seven years, and that some amenities “have not been used for over 25 years”.

The application was refused on the grounds of loss of green space and the lack of a playing pitch strategy.

Council bosses said that the site is an “an irreplaceable amenity”, and that “its loss cannot be compensated for.”