The Planning Committee of Doncaster Council met on Tuesday 25 August 2026. The committee considered a planning application for a proposed residential development of 31 lodges near Thorne, with a recommendation for refusal due to significant flood risk concerns. The committee also considered a retrospective planning application for a change of use from a former bank to a bar in Woodlands, with a recommendation for approval.

Change of Use of Land from Agricultural to Residential Use, Land South of South End, Thorne

The committee considered a proposal for the siting of 31 lodges and a social hub on land south of South End, Thorne. The primary reason for refusal, as advised by officers, was the site's location within Flood Zone 3, a high-risk area for flooding. National planning policy, specifically the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), states that highly vulnerable developments, such as permanent residential park homes, should not be permitted in Flood Zone 3. Despite a recent update to flood mapping showing a portion of the site in Flood Zone 1, the applicant had not reconfigured the layout to avoid the higher-risk areas.

Further grounds for refusal included the lack of a satisfactory foul and surface water drainage strategy, particularly concerning the site's location within Groundwater Source Protection Zone 3, which poses a risk of water pollution. The applicant also had not provided a satisfactory ecological baseline assessment, preventing confirmation of the mandatory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain requirement.

During the discussion, the agent for the applicant argued that the flood maps were inaccurate and presented alternative data. However, the committee was advised by officers that they must rely on the Environment Agency's expert advice and national policy. Councillor Rob Dennis expressed interest in seeing if the decision would be appealed.

The committee voted to refuse planning permission for this application.

Change of Use of Bank (Class E) to Bar (Sui Generis), 276-278 Great North Road, Woodlands

Retrospective planning permission was considered for the change of use of a former bank to a bar at 276-278 Great North Road, Woodlands. The site is located within the Adwick and Woodlands Town Centre, and the proposed use was considered acceptable in principle, aligning with local plan policies that direct food and drink uses towards town centres.

Concerns regarding residential amenity were addressed by the Council's Environmental Health Officer, who noted no noise complaints had been received since the bar began operating. The proposed opening hours were deemed commensurate with existing establishments in the area and aligned with the premises' existing license. Highway safety and parking were also considered acceptable, with the site being in a sustainable location and relying on existing on-street parking. The proposal was also found to have no adverse impact on the setting of the nearby Woodlands Conservation Area or visual amenity, as no external alterations were proposed.

Councillor Neil Wood, the applicant, explained that the retrospective application arose from a misunderstanding regarding planning class changes following COVID-19 and a lack of clarity during the initial licensing process. Committee members asked questions regarding operating hours, entertainment, food provision, and the roller shutter at the property.

The committee voted to grant planning permission for this application.

Appeal Decisions

The committee received appeal decisions from the Planning Inspectorate for information. One appeal concerning the change of use of public open space for an extension to a bloodstock sales complex at Land to East of Goffs UK, Sandall Beat Road, Doncaster, was dismissed. The Inspector found that the site had not been shown to be surplus to requirements and lacked community support for its loss. Another appeal for a detached domestic garage with a gym above at Pine Lodge Country Park, Thorne Road, Austerfield, was allowed.