The Planning application for the building of 5 houses on the former Brook House farm at the end of the Lychgate adjacent to our Parish Church.

A number of residents from the Village attended the meeting and several spoke in the council chamber in opposition to the proposal. After waiting in the Public Gallery for well over 2 hours, speakers, including 2 neighbours of the proposed development, the Chair of the Parish Council and a Ward Councillor gave challenge to the proposals and tried really hard to explain the impact that the development would have on the Church, its environs and the Village in general. They also provided photographic evidence and told the Committee about the Petition,  which had over 770 signatories,

Following their presentations the Committee did not ask a single question of them. During the days previous applications many questions were asked by Councillors.

I believe it is fair to say that none of the speakers felt listened to or felt that their concerns were taken seriously enough.

The Developer’s representative then spoke, he said that the development would not impact the Lychgate and would indeed make it safer for everyone by providing a turning area. He felt that the objections were exaggerated. He felt that there would be no problems with access and there would be, barely, a vehicle every 20 minutes.

Council Planning officers had recommended that Councillors accept the proposals in their pre prepared report for the meeting, and they were accepted unanimously. Therefore the development will go ahead.

A modicum of comfort can be taken from the fact that the proposals were changed in many ways from the original submission, one less dwelling, changes of two houses to bungalows, the retention of part of the barn wall to create a screened boundary along the Churchyard boundary amongst others. None of this would have been done without a series of objections from last July onwards.

However none of this will address some significant issues for neighbours or the issue of the present and future use of the Lychgate.

This is very disappointing.

 Many thanks to everyone who signed the Petition, raised objections and worked to oppose these proposals.

Video of the proceedings is available on YouTube, search City of Doncaster Planning Committee.