The Planning Committee of Doncaster Council was scheduled to discuss several planning applications, including a large residential development, proposals for self-build homes, and a change of use for supported living apartments. The committee was also set to review appeal decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate.

Residential Development at Cammidge Way, Bessacarr

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal for the erection of 166 dwellings at Land at Cammidge Way, Bessacarr. The application, which had been amended from an initial proposal of 184 dwellings, included associated landscaping and drainage. The report pack detailed extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including statutory consultees such as the Lead Local Flood Authority and Highways Officers, as well as internal council departments covering planning policy, design, public open space, trees, ecology, education, and public health.

Numerous public representations were received, with objections focusing on the loss of informal open space, overdevelopment, impact on residential amenity, inadequate parking, highway safety concerns, and increased pressure on local services. The report outlined the relevant policies from the Doncaster Local Plan (DLP) and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that guided the determination of this application. Key issues for consideration included the principle of development, wider sustainability, infrastructure provision (education, healthcare, transportation), visual amenity, detailed design, impacts on amenity, highway safety, ecology, trees, landscaping, flooding, drainage, archaeology, noise, air quality, contaminated land, and planning obligations.

The report recommended granting planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure contributions for affordable housing, education, a travel plan bond, public transport improvements, and biodiversity net gain. A comprehensive list of conditions was also proposed to manage various aspects of the development, from construction methods and railway safety to landscaping, drainage, and ecological enhancements. Pre-committee amendments were made to several conditions, refining details related to railway safety, drainage, landscaping, public open space, M4(2) and M4(3) housing standards, and flood risk. An update was also provided regarding the rationale for the secondary school contribution, highlighting the demand at Hall Cross Academy.

Self-Build Dwellings at Windgate Hill, Conisbrough

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the erection of five detached self-build dwellings on Land North of Windgate Hill, Conisbrough. The report detailed the proposed dwellings, each with associated amenity space, parking, and turning areas. The site was identified as being within a Residential Policy Area in the Doncaster Local Plan, making the principle of residential development acceptable.

Consultations with statutory consultees, including Drainage and Yorkshire Water, raised no objections, subject to conditions. South Yorkshire Police's Architectural Liaison unit provided recommendations for crime prevention. Internal consultees, including Highways, Environmental Health, Pollution Control, and Ecology Officers, also raised no objections, subject to conditions.

Public representations and a representation from Councillor Rachel Reed raised concerns about the strain on local infrastructure, increased bridle path traffic, parking issues, drainage problems, environmental harm, loss of trees, lack of open space, flood risk, impact on wildlife, and the erosion of the area's low-density character. The report clarified that the site is not within the Green Belt, contrary to one of the objections. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to planning conditions, with pre-committee amendments noted regarding the need for a site visit requested by Councillor Reed.

Change of Use at The Limes, Denaby Main

A change of use application for a building at The Limes, Mercury College Juno Campus, Tickhill Square, Denaby Main, was also on the agenda. The proposal sought to change the use from a residential care home (Use Class C2) to two blocks of four supported living apartments (Use Class C3B), intended for young adults aged 19-25 with learning disabilities and/or autism. The report indicated that the internal layout would be reconfigured, reducing the capacity from 12 to 8 occupants to allow for self-contained apartments.

Consultations with South Yorkshire Police Architectural Liaison provided recommendations for crime reduction measures, while Environmental Health and Highways Development Control raised no objections, subject to conditions. Public representations and a representation from Councillor Rachel Reed raised concerns about increased noise, strain on local services, traffic impact, the reputation of the neighbouring college, and potential HMO-like issues. The report clarified that the proposed use falls under Use Class C3(b) and is distinct from HMOs or residential institutions. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions, including limits on the number of residents and staff, and the retention of parking facilities. Pre-committee amendments were noted regarding the shared nature of the car park and the potential impact on parking arrangements.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to note appeal decisions received from the Planning Inspectorate. One such decision detailed was the dismissal of an appeal against the refusal of express consent for the display of an internally illuminated D48 digital advertisement at 203 Carr House Road, Belle Vue, Doncaster. The Inspector's decision cited significant harm to amenity and public safety as the reasons for dismissal, concluding that the proposed advertisement would be overly dominant and a distraction to drivers.

Other Agenda Items

The agenda also included standard procedural items such as apologies for absence, consideration of public and press exclusion, declarations of interest, and the minutes of the previous Planning Committee meeting held on 16th December 2025.