This week in Doncaster:

Housing Development in Bessacarr and Conisbrough Moves Forward, But Concerns Remain

The Planning Committee met on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to consider a significant residential development in Bessacarr and proposals for self-build homes in Conisbrough. While both applications were recommended for approval, discussions highlighted ongoing tensions between the need for new housing and the protection of local environments and amenities. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

166 New Homes for Bessacarr

A major focus was the proposed erection of 166 dwellings at Land at Cammidge Way, Bessacarr. This development, part of a larger allocation for housing up to 2035, includes 38 affordable homes, representing 23% of the total. The scheme aims to contribute significantly to the borough's housing needs.

Key aspects discussed included:

• Infrastructure: A substantial contribution of £439,484 was earmarked for secondary education at Hall Cross Academy, acknowledging projected shortfalls in school places. Further contributions are planned for public transport and a travel plan.
• Design and Amenity: Amendments to the original plans were noted to have improved design quality, with enhanced landscaping and better pedestrian and cycle links. However, concerns were raised about residential amenity, separation distances, and overshadowing, which the revised layouts aimed to address.
• Environment: The development is expected to result in a net loss of on-site habitat, but a 10% biodiversity net gain will be achieved through off-site compensation. Conditions are in place to secure ecological enhancements, such as bat and swift boxes. The removal of some trees of moderate quality was noted as a point of tension with policy requirements.
• Sustainability: The site is in Flood Zone 1, and the proposed drainage strategy, incorporating sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), was deemed acceptable subject to conditions.

The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Agreement and numerous conditions covering construction, railway safety, drainage, landscaping, ecology, and building standards.

Self-Build Homes for Conisbrough

The committee also considered an application for five detached self-build dwellings on land North of Windgate Hill, Conisbrough. The site is designated as a Residential Policy Area, making the principle of residential development acceptable.

Key points for discussion included:

• Design: The proposed dwellings were designed to be sympathetic to the area's character, with a mixed material palette and appropriate landscaping.
• Amenity: The layout was assessed to ensure no unacceptable impacts on neighbouring properties regarding overlooking, overshadowing, or loss of light.
• Access: Ample off-road parking is included for each dwelling. Access via Windgate Hill, a public bridleway, was noted, with assurances that the bridleway itself would remain unaffected. Resident concerns about bridleway traffic and maintenance were acknowledged but deemed private legal matters.
• Ecology: An Ecological Impact Assessment indicated low ecological value on site, with no protected species recorded. Conditions are proposed for a Construction Environmental Management Plan and ecological enhancements.

The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions related to construction management, drainage, landscaping, and ecological protection.

What's at Stake?

These developments will bring new homes to Doncaster, contributing to housing supply. However, the discussions highlight the council's role in balancing development with the need to ensure adequate infrastructure, protect the environment, and maintain the quality of life for existing residents. For vulnerable groups, such as those needing affordable housing or those concerned about environmental impacts, these decisions have a direct bearing on their community and future.

Read the full meeting details here.

Cabinet Reviews Support for Carers and Adult Social Care

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, to discuss a range of crucial services, including enhanced support for unpaid carers and the annual review of adult social care. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Doncaster's Carers Journey 2026

The Cabinet was presented with Doncaster's Carers Journey 2026, a report co-produced with unpaid carers and Team Doncaster partners. This document outlines plans for supporting carers in 2026, focusing on six key themes: Identification, Recognition, Information and Advice, Rights, Connection, and Independence and Wellbeing. The report was recommended for approval, signalling a commitment to improving the lives of those who provide vital care for loved ones.

Adult Social Care Local Account 2026

The Cabinet was also asked to approve Your Care and Support: Doncaster's Adult Social Care Local Account 2026. This report, developed with individuals who have lived experience of care and support, reviews the previous year's performance and sets out priorities for the upcoming year. It is structured around the national Making It Real framework, covering Wellbeing and Independence, Information and Advice, Active and Supportive Communities, Flexible and Integrated Care and Support, When Things Need to Change, and Workforce.

What's at Stake?

Unpaid carers often face significant challenges, including financial strain, isolation, and health issues. The approval of Doncaster's Carers Journey 2026 signifies a commitment to better identifying, supporting, and recognising their invaluable contribution. Similarly, the Adult Social Care Local Account ensures that services are responsive to the needs of vulnerable adults, promoting independence and wellbeing. For individuals relying on these services, and for their families, these reports are vital in shaping the support they receive.

School Admissions and Council Tax Base

The Cabinet also discussed arrangements for school admissions for the 2027/2028 academic year and the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2026/2027. The proposed Council Tax Base for 2026/2027 is 89,231 band D equivalent dwellings, an increase from the previous year. This figure is fundamental to setting the council's budget and the Council Tax rates for the coming year.

Borough Strategy and Regeneration

The meeting also included discussions on the refresh of the Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT) City Borough Strategy, aiming to refocus actions for the coming years. Additionally, development proposals for retail units, Mexborough Market, and the Multi-storey Car Park in Mexborough were reviewed, alongside plans for the regeneration of the Waterdale and Colonnades areas in Doncaster city centre. These regeneration projects aim to revitalise key areas, creating new opportunities and improving the urban environment.

Read the full meeting details here.

Other Matters

The Planning Committee also received updates on appeal decisions, including the dismissal of an appeal for an advertisement at 203 Carr House Road, Belle Vue, Doncaster. The Inspector found the proposed advertisement would cause significant harm to amenity and public safety.

Upcoming Meetings

• Council on Thursday 22 January 2026 to discuss the refresh of the Doncaster Delivering Together City Borough Strategy, the Director of Public Health's annual report on LGBTQ+ health, and the proposed diary of meetings.
• Audit Committee on Thursday 29 January 2026.
• Licensing Sub-Committee on Friday 30 January 2026.

This week in Doncaster:

Ambulance Service Performance Under Scrutiny: Are Response Times Improving for Everyone?

The South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to examine the performance of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS). While the Trust reports improvements in some areas, questions remain about whether these gains are reaching all parts of the community, particularly vulnerable groups. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Key Performance Indicators

YAS is facing high demand across its emergency, urgent care, and patient transport services. Between April and November 2025, the average response time for Category 2 emergencies¹ across Yorkshire was 26 minutes and 33 seconds, an improvement on the previous year. In South Yorkshire specifically, Category 1 response times averaged 7 minutes and 36 seconds, and Category 2 averaged 24 minutes and 45 seconds. The national standard for Category 2 response times is under 30 minutes, with a statutory target of 18 minutes.

Reducing Handover Delays

Significant progress has been made in reducing the time ambulances spend waiting to hand over patients at hospital emergency departments. The introduction of the 'transfer of care' operating procedure has seen average handover times drop to 19 minutes and 27 seconds. Improvements were noted at several local hospitals, including Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

New Triage System and 'Hear and Treat'

A new primary triage tool, NHS Pathways, has been implemented for 999 calls. While this aims to streamline patient assessment, it has had a slight impact on call-taking performance. In South Yorkshire, there has also been a slight decrease in 'hear and treat' rates, a service where clinicians provide advice and treatment over the phone, which could mean more people requiring a physical response.

National Ranking and Areas for Improvement

YAS was ranked third nationally among ambulance trusts for the first two quarters of 2025/26. This reflects strong performance in areas like Category 2 response times and financial management. However, the report also highlighted areas needing attention, including sickness absence rates and the number of patients conveyed to emergency departments.

What's at Stake?

For residents, particularly those in urgent need of medical assistance, response times are critical. Delays in ambulance arrival or hospital handover can have serious consequences, especially for elderly individuals, those with chronic health conditions, or anyone experiencing a medical emergency. The committee's scrutiny ensures that the ambulance service is held accountable for its performance and that efforts are made to improve services for everyone in Doncaster.

Future Focus

The committee reviewed its work programme, agreeing to receive updates on dentistry and stroke response and aftercare. Councillor Eve Keenan and Councillor Mick Stowe specifically requested the inclusion of stroke response and aftercare, highlighting its importance for patient recovery and quality of life. Councillor David Harvey also proposed an item on weight loss injections.

Read the full meeting details here.

Temporary Event Notices for Alcohol Sales at Carr House Road Objected to by Police

The Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, to consider objections from South Yorkshire Police to two Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for premises at 153 Carr House Road, Hyde Park, Doncaster, DN1 2BD. The meeting was subsequently cancelled. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Police Concerns Over Crime and Disorder

The TENs, submitted by Mr. Mohammed Amin Mohammed, sought to permit the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises during two separate periods in January 2026. South Yorkshire Police objected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and ensuring public safety. Their objection cited previous failures by the premises to pass test purchases for illicit tobacco and vapes, conducted on behalf of Trading Standards. Despite intelligence suggesting ongoing sales of illicit tobacco and underage sales, a 2022/2023 investigation, which included a visit with a tobacco detection dog, found no products.

Potential Impact on Local Area

The police believe that granting these TENs would likely contribute to further criminal activity and undermine lawful trade in the area. They requested that the applications be refused. The Licensing Act 2003 requires the Licensing Authority to consider TENs when a relevant objection notice is received.

What's at Stake?

Decisions on alcohol sales, especially in areas with existing concerns about crime and disorder, have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of residents. The police's objection highlights the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and criminal activity if these notices were granted without proper consideration.

Previous Meeting Minutes Approved

The Sub-Committee was also set to approve the minutes of previous Licensing Sub-Committees held in September 2025.

Upcoming Meetings

• Planning Committee on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to consider residential developments, self-build dwellings, and a change of use for supported living apartments.
• Cabinet on Wednesday 14 January 2026 to discuss carers' support, adult social care, school admissions, council tax, borough strategy refresh, and regeneration proposals for Mexborough and the city centre.
• Council on Thursday 22 January 2026.

This week in Doncaster:

Solar Farm Divides Planning Committee Amidst Green Belt Concerns

The Planning Committee met on December 16, 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications, including a controversial proposal for a solar farm near Marr. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The meeting saw heated debate over the use of Green Belt land¹ and the balance between renewable energy and environmental protection.

Community Opposition

The meeting heard from Nick Balliger and Pamela Moorhouse, representing Marr Parish Council, as well as Councillors Cynthia Ransome, Oliver Bloor, and Rachel Reed, all speaking in opposition to the solar farm. They raised concerns about the impact on the local landscape, loss of agricultural land, and potential harm to the rural character of the area.

Applicant's Perspective

Lee Adams from Enviromena, the applicant, argued that the solar farm would provide a significant contribution to renewable energy generation and energy security, aligning with national policy objectives. Mark Harding, also from Enviromena, was present to answer technical questions.

Grey Belt Debate

A key point of contention was whether the site should be considered grey belt land². Enviromena argued that the harm to the Green Belt was outweighed by the public benefits of the project. However, council officers, after seeking legal advice, disagreed, stating that a recent appeal decision cited by the applicant did not supersede a prior decision.

Energy Security Argument

Enviromena also requested that the report be amended to reference energy security as a separate benefit to renewable energy and climate change. Officers agreed that this would be consistent with NPPF para. 160.

The Stakes

The decision on the solar farm has significant implications for the future of Green Belt development in Doncaster. It raises questions about how the council balances its commitment to renewable energy with its responsibility to protect the environment and the character of local communities.

Conisbrough Housing Development Faces Scrutiny

The Planning Committee also considered a report about a proposed residential development on land off Old Road, Conisbrough. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Community Concerns

Councillor Rachel Reed spoke in opposition to the application, raising concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and the potential for increased traffic congestion.

Applicant's Response

Rachael Martin from ID Planning spoke in support of the application. Rob Harding from Vistry, Wayne Walke (an engineer), and Phil Owen (from Highways) were also present to answer questions.

The Stakes

This decision will determine whether a new residential development will be built in Conisbrough, potentially impacting local services, traffic patterns, and the overall character of the area.

Retrospective Application for Industrial Storage in Cadeby

The committee also discussed a retrospective planning application for industrial storage on land south of Quarry, Garden Lane, Cadeby. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Parish Council Opposition

Mr Stephen Shersby, Chairman of Cadeby Parish Council, spoke in opposition to the application, raising concerns about the impact on the local environment and the potential for noise and disturbance.

The Stakes

This decision will determine whether the industrial storage use can continue, potentially impacting the local environment and the amenity of nearby residents.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee noted several appeal decisions, including dismissals for an air source heat pump in Sprotbrough, flats in Bentley, dwellings in Adwick Upon Dearne, and a caravan in Tickhill.

This week in Doncaster:

Solar Farm Sparks Green Belt Debate

The Planning Committee is set to meet on December 16, 2025, to discuss a controversial application for a ground-mounted photovoltaic farm near Marr. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The proposal has drawn significant opposition, with over 1,200 objections citing concerns about the use of Green Belt land¹, loss of agricultural land, and potential impacts on the local community.

Community Voices

Councillor Cynthia Ransome, Ward Member for Sprotbrough, and Councillor Oliver Bloor, also Ward Member for Sprotbrough, have formally objected to the application, echoing the concerns of Marr Parish Council.

The Stakes

The decision hinges on whether the benefits of renewable energy generation outweigh the potential harms to the Green Belt and local environment. The council must determine if very special circumstances exist to justify development on protected land, as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Council's Stance

The report pack acknowledges potential harms, including landscape and visual impact, and short-term amenity loss due to glint and glare. However, it emphasizes the project's contribution to renewable energy targets, biodiversity net gain, and economic benefits.

What's Next?

The Planning Committee will weigh the evidence and arguments before making a decision that could set a precedent for future Green Belt development in Doncaster.

Council Finances Under Scrutiny Amidst Projected Overspend

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on December 11, 2025, to discuss the council's financial and service performance. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The committee reviewed the 2025-26 Quarter 2 Finance and Performance Improvement Report, which revealed a projected £5.2 million overspend and a £19.1 million in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) High Needs Block.

Key Concerns

• Financial Performance: The report highlighted financial challenges in areas such as Adults Social Care, Children, Young People & Families, and Place.
• Strategic Risks: The council faces strategic risks related to its medium-term financial strategy, the Dedicated Schools Grant, and the cost of residential placements outside of the authority.

St Leger Homes Performance

The committee also reviewed St Leger Homes of Doncaster's (SLHD) performance, noting that while many KPIs were met, some areas of underperformance persisted, including void rent loss and non-emergency repairs.

Work Plan and Key Decisions

The committee reviewed its work plan and the council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions, which includes potential scrutiny topics such as women's health and waste management. Key decisions expected in the coming months include approval of the Council Tax Base for 2026/27 and acceptance of grant funding for the Mexborough Market Retail Units and MSCP Demolition Project.

Cabinet Discusses Financial Challenges and Regeneration Projects

The Cabinet met on December 10, 2025, to discuss a range of issues, including the council's financial performance, improvements to the North Bridge crossing, and a potential regeneration project in the Waterdale area. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Financial Performance

The Cabinet reviewed the council's financial and performance report for the second quarter of 2025-26, which noted a projected £5.2 million overspend and a £19.1 million in-year deficit for the Dedicated Schools Grant.

North Bridge Improvements

The Cabinet considered accepting £1.4 million of grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to deliver safety improvements for pedestrians and cyclists at the North Bridge crossing.

Waterdale Regeneration

The Cabinet was asked to approve entering into a lease to enable the option for the freehold transfer of land and assets in the Waterdale area to the council for regeneration purposes, and to enter into a sublease to support the Health on the High Street initiative.

Other Matters

• The Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for December 11, 2025, was cancelled. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Planning Committee on Tuesday 16 December 2025 to discuss planning applications, appeal decisions, and a quarterly planning enforcement report.