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16. Mixed Use Regeneration Projects

To access the full text for Chapter 16: Mixed Use Regeneration Projects please click here (opens PDF file).

INTRODUCTION

16.1

Topics such as housing, recreation and economy and employment are dealt with in separate chapters of the UDP. Within each topic chapter, policies and proposals are put forward which will contribute towards achieving the UDP's aims of economic regeneration, environmental improvement and the reduction of social inequalities.

16.2

The Borough Council's UDP is based on a vision of the future of the Borough as a place of increasing opportunities for all its residents and businesses and as a place with a strongly positive image which will attract essential investment so that these opportunities can thrive.

16.3

In addition to the numerous policies and proposals in the topic chapters the Borough Council recognise that large scale mixed use development initiatives can create exciting opportunities which are essential if the Council's vision is to be achieved.

16.4

The UDP therefore includes a number of schemes and major development proposals. The special feature of these development opportunities is that they introduce a balanced mix of land uses in high profile schemes containing housing, recreation and leisure and employment, and are therefore particularly attractive to major developers.

(REPLACED POLICY) SRP1 –

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL HAS IDENTIFIED AREAS IN BALBY, CONISBROUGH, DONCASTER AND ASKERN WHERE IT WISHES TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT MIXED USE PROJECTS WHICH WILL MAKE A MAJOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGENERATION OF THE BOROUGH.

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Replaced by Core Strategy Policy CS11 - Housing renewal and Regeneration. To view this policy please click here.

16.5

The Borough Council recognises that combinations of land uses on appropriate sites on a large scale can have a very positive regenerative effect larger than the sum of the separate individual proposals. One such example is the success of Doncaster Leisure Park, centred on 'The Dome', which is fostering an atmosphere of confidence and optimism in the Borough.

16.6

The impact of such mixed use schemes will be of major benefit in revitalising the Borough both in a local and regional context.

16.7

There are four such projects which the Borough Council supports. All of the projects are close to the strategic motorway network, some are located on the Borough's waterway system and all areas have the type of local environment which can greatly assist the projects to integrate into their surroundings.

16.8

The range of possible and proposed opportunities is set out in the detailed proposals that follow. The projects are at different stages: land use proposals are either already in place, are being formulated or there is a requirement to prepare planning briefs as necessary to guide future land uses. Wherever appropriate, cross references are made to topic chapters. In each case, the relevant areas are shown on a separate plan, and where possible, preferred land uses are indicated.

16.9

The scale of these projects, especially Doncaster Leisure Park/Doncaster Carr (RP2) and Woodfield Plantation (RP3), is such that they will provide development opportunities not only througthout the PlanPeriod but also extending well beyond 2001.

16.10

Apart from the four major sites, there are a number of smaller locations where it is considered that the mixed use principle is an appropriate vehicle for achieving regeneration. These sites are also referred to in this chapter.

Policy RP1 –

N.B. There is no Policy RP1. This was deleted from the final version of the UDP on the recommendation of the Public Local Inquiry Inspector.

DONCASTER LEISURE PARK AND DONCASTER CARR

(SAVED POLICY) RP2 –

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL PROMOTE THE CO-ORDINATED, LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT OF DONCASTER CARR AND LEISURE PARK DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP AND PLAN NO. RP2 AS FOLLOWS:-

  1. DONCASTER LEISURE PARK WILL BE DEVELOPED AS A MIXED USE AREA COMPRISING LEISURE AND RECREATION, TOURISM USES, EMPLOYMENT USES, HOUSING AND APPROPRIATE SPECIALIST OR ANCILLARY SERVICE AND RETAIL USES;
  2. DONCASTER CARR NORTH, EAST AND WEST OF WHITE ROSE WAY (A6182) WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR EMPLOYMENT USES (B1, B2, B8 AND OTHER APPROPRIATE INDUSTRIAL/BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL USES (IN ACCORDANCE WITH RELEVANT PLAN POLICIES) AND A RETAIL WAREHOUSE PARK;
  3. DONCASTER CARR SOUTH OF WHITE ROSE WAY (A6182) WILL BE DEVELOPED AS A MAJOR RAIL FREIGHT TERMINAL.
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

Site Details

16.11

The area of 164Has (405 Acres) embraced by this policy is the wide belt of still largely undeveloped land situated immediately south of Doncaster Town Centre. The eastern end of the site is already being developed for leisure and retail purposes, focused on 'The Dome' and Asda store. The western end is committed for the growing Doncaster Carr Industrial Estate.

Project Description

16.12

Policy RP2 reflects the main proposed and existing land use elements which are indicated on plan no. RP2.

Justification

16.13

The Borough Council took the decision many years ago that this broad swathe of land should be developed for commercial, retail and leisure uses.

16.14

This decision was made for a number of valid reasons essentially focused on the need to achieve economic regeneration. These proposals were centred around four major land uses: leisure, retail, industrial and commercial. Major developments have already occurred but the Borough Council wishes to review the original proposals in order to be responsive to the evident changing national and local economic priorities.

16.15

Therefore in the context of the scale of existing development and the Borough Council's long standing commitment to the broad principles of development, the project is assessed within specific topic areas.

Employment

Recreation/Tourism

Access/Traffic

Housing

Environmental Impact

16.16

In conclusion, the Borough Council considers that this already committed and growing mixed use development is justified not only by its evident success to date but more importantly that it represents a major initiative aimed at the strategic objective of economic regeneration by achieving a careful mix of land use. The Borough Council's policy therefore is to promote to the full the inherent potential of the site. Attention is drawn to Policy ENV 42 where planning obligations may be entered into to offset the loss or impact on amenity or resourse in the interest of Nature Conservation in accordance with advice in Circular 1/97.

WOODFIELD PLANTATION

(SAVED POLICY) RP3 –

A 260 HECTARE SITE AT WOODFIELD PLANTATION WILL BE COMPREHENSIVELY DEVELOPED FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP; AND PLAN No RP3:-

  1. 60 ha of LAND FOR 1550 DWELLINGS
  2. ASSOCIATED DISTRICT CENTRE INCORPORATING FOOD SUPERSTORE, NON FOOD RETAIL AND LOCAL SHOPS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
  3. NEW SCHOOL(S)
  4. BUSINESS PARK
  5. HOTEL/MOTEL
  6. LAND FOR GENERAL AND STORAGE/DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY
  7. OFFICES
  8. LOCAL PARK/LINEAR PARK, OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION FACILITIES
  9. NETWORK OF "GREEN" FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS
  10. WOODFIELD LINK ROAD
  11. NON-FOOD RETAIL WAREHOUSE PARK
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

Site Details

16.17

Woodfield Plantation lies 3 miles south of Doncaster Town Centre. The gently undulating land is mainly in agricultural use but there are important landscape and wildlife features including water areas, hedgerows and woodland, notably the Woodfield Plantation which gives the site its name; the site also incorporates surplus land and buildings at St Catherine's Hospital.

Project Description

16.18

The concept of mixed use development at Woodfield Plantation evolved from the major housing proposals for the area established in the Balby/Hexthorpe Local Plan. The Borough Council recognised the potential that existed in the wider area described above for a significant mixed use development and produced a Development Brief in 1989, setting out a wide range of uses including housing, industry, community facilities, business park, offices, shopping and public open space. This Brief has now been largely superseded by the provisions of the adopted UDP.

16.19

The broad land uses as defined in Policy RP3 are shown on plan no. RP3. Guidance in respect of design, layout standards, landscaping and a range of other important detail has been prepared in the form of a Master Plan for the residential areas with planning permission (i.e. those areas shown on the Proposals Map) A similar Master Plan will be prepared for the rest of the Project area. A full ecological appraisal will be required of any detailed development proposals in the area covered by Policy RP3.

Justification

16.20

The Borough Council has already made a major commitment to this large scale mixed use development and is currently carrying out studies and negotiations to ensure that the project will proceed in the manner envisaged by the Development Brief/Master Plan.

16.21

The Borough Council believes its decision to promote such a project is based on the sound principle of achieving economic regeneration through the provision of attractive, integrated developments which provide homes, jobs, recreation and community facilities in high quality environments.

16.22

Given this existing level of commitment, the project is assessed within specific topic areas.

Housing

The residential allocation shown on the Proposals Map has the benefit of a planning permission which is tied to an agreed master plan showing open space, structural landscaping, footpath and cycleway network. A similar level of detail has yet to be agreed in respect of the housing areas shown only on the illustrative plan but will be required as part of any planning permission for these areas. Permissions in respect of these areas will be required to conform to the scale and broad land take shown on the illustrative plan thereby conforming to the following land use principles: minimise encroachment into the countryside; maximise the area of "Potteric Meadows"; avoid surrounding Carr Lodge Farm buildings with development; protect SSIs. This housing development should also provide for internal open space to DMBC standards and a network of segregated footpaths/cycleways/greenways linking housing areas to Potteric Meadows, the linear park and other areas of open space and to commercial/community facility areas.

Employment

Environmental Impact

District Centre/Food Superstore

Non food Retail Warehouse Park

Access/Traffic

Recreation

16.23

In conclusion, the Borough Council believes that the development of Woodfield Plantation for these mixed uses represents an excellent opportunity for the Borough. Indeed, the existing high quality setting will offer prestigious and attractive sites not only to housing but also to businesses, shops, schools and community facilities. Attention is drawn to Policy ENV 42 where planning obligations may be entered into to offset the loss or impact or resource in the interest of Nature Conservation in accordance with advice in Circular 1/97.

16.24

The site is well related to the existing urban form and road network and is extremely well placed in relation to a number of new strategic development attractions such as Doncaster Carr, and the Leisure Park . The development will therefore offer an exciting and satisfying place for people to live, work and play.

DON/DEARNE VALLEYS

(SAVED POLICY) RP4 –

THE DON AND DEARNE VALLEY AREA BETWEEN MEXBOROUGH AND CONISBROUGH COMPRISING 212 HECTARES OF FORMER COLLIERY OPERATIONAL LAND, SPOIL TIPS AND PERIPHERAL LAND AS INDICATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP AND PLAN NO. RP4 WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:

  1. A COUNTRY PARK AND WOODLAND;
  2. EDUCATIONAL AND LEISURE USES INCLUDING CONSERVATION AND NATURAL HISTORY INTERPRETATION CENTRES, MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES;
  3. CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE;
  4. OFFICES;
  5. LIGHT INDUSTRY;
  6. HOUSING;
  7. HOTEL;
  8. MARINAS AND MOORINGS;
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

Site Details

16.25

This policy area embraces a large part of the Don and Dearne river valleys between Mexborough and Conisbrough, mostly the site of former intensive coal mining activity in the form of spoil tips and derelict land. The area lies within the Dearne Valley Partnership area, where special initiatives are proposed to secure environmental, social and economic regeneration.

Project Description

16.26

Plan no. RP 4 indicates a boundary to the project area and shows broad areas where there may be scope for certain kinds of uses. The realisation of the mixed use development expressed in Policy RP4 will be subject to a Development Brief prepared by the Borough Council in conjunction with other major private initiatives already put forward. The general area of Cadeby Colliery is already the subject of a project designed to expand on the theme of a Country Park to create more intensive leisure, recreation and educational uses. The 'Earth Centre' project has support from the Borough Council and is being developed as an international centre for ecology and sustainability. This project involves, amongst other things, a major museum and gallery with associated facilities such as an omnimax cinema, conference and exhibition centre, 'green' resource centre, gardens, themed play areas and organic farm and garden centre.

16.27

The Borough Council is keen to evolve a development strategy not only for the former colliery sites, but also for locations on the periphery such as the Conisbrough Riverside area which either require some form of remedial treatment or can contribute in a positive way to economic regeneration.

16.28

The Borough Council will, during the UDP process, prepare a development brief for the policy area in conjunction with the 'Earth Centre' and other appropriate projects.

Justification

16.29

This area offers a unique opportunity for the establishment of a major leisure orientated development based on the Borough Council's commitment to the environmental improvement, and economic and social regeneration of the area. This potentially attractive riverside location has for many years been a focus of the Borough Council's attention because the surrounding area is an unemployment blackspot, due to colliery and associated industrial closure, and there is a legacy of industrial dereliction, particularly in the river valleys.

16.30

The Borough Council believes that a major initiative in accordance with Policy RP4 will be an appropriate means of achieving economic regeneration and environmental improvement. Therefore, the broad principles of the proposal can be assessed within specific topic areas.

Housing

Employment

Environmental Impact

Access/Traffic

Recreation/Tourism

16.31

In conclusion, the Borough Council takes the view that given current initiatives, this site is capable of accommodating an ambitious mixed use development which whilst retaining a strong 'green' theme will provide jobs, homes and recreation. This project therefore is able to make a major contribution to the economic, social and environmental regeneration, of the Borough. In particular this project is seen as a vital scheme within the Dearne Valley Initiative which the Borough Council supports as a member of the Dearne Valley Partnership together with Rotherham and Barnsley Councils', Central Government and the Private Sector and the Voluntary Sector.

ASKERN COLLIERY/COALITE PLANT

(SAVED POLICY) RP5 –

A SITE BASED ON ASKERN COLLIERY AND THE FORMER COALITE PLANT IS IDENTIFIED FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT AS INDICATED ON PLAN RP5 AND THE PROPOSALS MAP.

  1. LAND FOR HOUSING, INCLUDING SOCIAL HOUSING
  2. LAND FOR GENERAL AND STORAGE/DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY
  3. WORKSHOPS/SMALL BUSINESSES
  4. OFFICES
  5. FORMAL AND INFORMAL RECREATIONAL USES
  6. COUNTRY PARK AND AGRICULTURAL USES
  7. OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC FOOTPATHS
  8. COMMERCIAL, SMALL SCALE RETAIL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
  9. ACCESS AND TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS
  10. EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING TREATMENT
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

SITE DETAILS

16.32

Askern lies off the A19, 7 miles north of Doncaster Town Centre and, before the opening of a colliery in 1911 was a small spa with a flourishing recreation and tourist reputation. It forms, together with Norton and Campsall, a close knit community with a wide variety of both urban and rural land uses.

16.33

The area's reliance on the coal industry is diminishing. The closure of Askern colliery follows on from the closure of the Coalite plant in 1985. The Coalite site has been on the Borough Council’s Derelict Land Rolling Programme for some time and its restoration and decontamination is a priority. Also, recent housing development in Norton and Campsall has added to the attraction of the area as a place to live, and the rural economy continues to be very important locally.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

16.34

The concept of a mixed use development including open spaces based on the sites of Askern Colliery and the former Coalite plant will extend into the adjoining areas and have a significant impact on the three settlements of Askern, Norton and Campsall.

Housing

Employment

Recreation/Country Park/Open Spaces/Agricultural Uses

Environmental Impact

Commercial/Small Scale Retail and Community Facilities

Access/Traffic

In conclusion the mixed use development proposed here contains significant elements essential to the regeneration of the area on economic, social and environmental grounds. The opportunity to take advantage of grant aided packages and funding will be assessed as a comprehensive approach to the project site. The Borough Council will work closely with British Coal and other public and private organisations to bring the project site forward for reclamation, restoration and redevelopment.

SMALL SCALE MIXED USE REGENERATION PROJECTS

16.35

In addition to the above projects, the Borough Council has identified a number of sites where the mixed use principle is appropriate at a smaller scale. In such cases it is considered that lower key but nevertheless valuable contributions to economic regeneration and environmental improvement can be made. The sites are shown on the proposals maps and are as follows:

Askern Railway Station

(SAVED POLICY) RP6 –

LAND AROUND THE FORMER ASKERN RAILWAY STATION (NORTH OF STATION ROAD) WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR:-

  1. THE RE-OPENING OF ASKERN STATION
  2. CAR PARKING
  3. SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL USES
  4. SMALL SCALE OFFICES
  5. COMMUNITY FACILITIES
  6. BUS TERMINUS/STATION
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

16.36

The South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and the Borough Council are keen to support the reintroduction of passenger trains on the Doncaster-Askern line opening the way for rail services to Wakefield, Pontefract, Knottingley and Leeds, and the consequent re-opening of Askern Station. This would bring substantial benefits to the Askern area. The opening up of land around the station for a mixed use development would consolidate Askern as the pre-eminent centre for office, commercial, community use and retail activity in the area. It represents a good opportunity to provide improved car parking in Askern and the proposal to provide a bus terminus/station would integrate rail and bus facilities on one site.

Canal Side, Thorne

(SAVED POLICY) RP7 –

THREE SITES LINKED BY THE CANAL IN THORNE WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR MIXED USES AS FOLLOWS:-

  1. STANILANDS BOATYARD AND LAND SOUTH OF WHITE LANE WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR HOUSING, BOATYARD WORKS, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, MARINA, LEISURE AND SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL USES;
  2. THE FORMER DUNSTANS BOATYARD AND ADJACENT LAND OFF UNION ROAD WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR HOUSING, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND SMALL SCALE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOPS; OFFICE / COMMERCIAL (B1) USES.
  3. THE SOUTH END MARINA AND LAND TO THE SOUTH OF SOUTH END ROAD WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR HOUSING, BOATYARD WORKS, MARINA, PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, LEISURE, SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL USES AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOPS (B1) USES;
  4. THE LADYLINE SITE WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR SMALL SCALE CANAL RELATED USES, SMALL SCALE COMMERCIAL (B1), RECREATION, OPEN SPACE, LEISURE AND OFFICE USES.
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

16.37

The Borough Council recognise that there is great potential for mixed use developments with a waterfront theme on each of these sites in Thorne. Development will contribute greatly to the regeneration of the town by providing jobs, homes and leisure in an attractive setting. Developers will be encouraged to produce high quality proposals which introduce well integrated mixes of land uses at an appropriate scale taking account of these important waterside settings. Opportunities to improve pedestrian access across the canal, particularly at South Parade Bridge will be investigated.

Old Kirk Sandall

(SAVED POLICY) RP8 –

LAND AT SANDALL GROVE AND NORTH OF MOOR LANE BETWEEN THE RIVER DUN NAVIGATION AND DONCASTER ROAD, KIRK SANDALL WILL BE COMPREHENSIVELY DEVELOPED FOR A MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP:

  1. THE SANDALL GROVE AREA, DESIGNATED AS A RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL/RECREATIONAL/OPEN SPACE MIX OF USES SUBJECT TO A QUALITY SCHEME WHICH RESPECTS THE SETTING OF THE CHURCH, REUSES AND ENHANCES EXISTING BUILDINGS OF MERIT AND WHICH EFFECTIVELY TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY THE CANALSIDE PASTORAL SETTING.
  2. PART OF THE MOOR LANE RECREATION GROUND, DESIGNATED AS A RESIDENTIAL ALLOCATION, BEING AN AREA OF 2.13 HA (5.26 ACRES) WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
  3. THE RESIDUE OF THE MOOR LANE RECREATION GROUND (APPROXIMATELY 7 HA, 18 ACRES) DESIGNATED AS OPEN SPACE POLICY AREA, WILL BE RETAINED AND DEVELOPED FOR PUBLIC SPORT AND RECREATION PURPOSES.
  4. THE REMAINDER OF THE SITE (APPROXIMATELY 28 HA, 69 ACRES) DESIGNATED AS OPEN SPACE POLICY AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED AS A COUNTRY PARK).

A DETAILED PLANNING BRIEF WILL BE PREPARED FOR THE SITE AND WILL FORM THE BASIS OF A SECTION 106 PLANNING OBLIGATION PRIOR TO THE GRANTING OF ANY PLANNING PERMISSION ON THE SITE. THE PLANNING OBLIGATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO ADDRESS, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL, THE FOLLOWING ISSUES:

  1. THE DEDICATION TO THE BOROUGH COUNCIL (OR OTHER BODY APPROVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL) OF THE RESIDUE OF THE MOOR LANE RECREATION GROUND FOR PUBLIC SPORT AND RECREATION PURPOSES.
  2. THE ACQUISITION BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL (OR OTHER BODY APPROVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL) OF THE FREEHOLD OR LEASEHOLD (TERMS TO BE AGREED) FOR THE 28 HA (69 ACRES) (APPROXIMATELY) OF LAND TO BE DEVELOPED FOR A COUNTRY PARK.
  3. SURRENDER OF ALL EXTANT INDUSTRIAL TIPPING PERMISSIONS ON THE SITE.
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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

16.38

A significant area of surplus land holdings in the ownership of Pilkington Properties (together with a small area of adjoining land) provides important opportunities for limited mixed use development in an attractive setting and for securing a large area of land for public access, sport and informal recreation.

16.39

The Sandall Grove Area is an historic and attractive waterside area centred on St Oswald's Church (a grade II* listed building) and its grounds and a number of attractive old stone farm buildings (one of which is listed). The area has potential for a small mixed use development which respects the setting of the church, incorporate suitable re-use of existing buildings and exploits the opportunities provided by the canalside pastoral setting. Some new build for residential, business/commercial and recreational would be appropriate subject to a quality scheme which protects and enhances the area including the provision of informal areas of open space and suitable landscaping.

16.40

The relationship between the development of this area and the Country Park needs careful consideration and this area should incorporate ancillary country park facilities (eg visitor centre, cafe etc). The enclosed area of farm buildings would be most appropriately developed for commercial/recreational purposes reflecting and reinforcing the area's pastoral function and thereby facilitating a gradual transition from heavy to light industry through to residential, recreational and amenity use.

16.41

The southern part of this area (an area of 1.7 ha, 4.3 acres) has had permission for B1 use and would be most appropriately developed for this use being located between existing general industry and a site proposed for residential development.

16.42

An area of 2.13 ha, 5.26 acres fronting Doncaster Road being part of the Moor Lane recreation ground is to be developed for residential purposes, accessed from Doncaster Road. There will be no requirement for any public open space or play provision within that area. The residue of the recreation area will be secured as public open space for sport and recreation.

16.43

The remainder of the site with its attractive open countryside character, canalside setting and areas of nature conservation interest will be retained as countryside and developed as a country park for informal countryside recreation, some formal recreation activities and nature conservation enhancement. Details of the establishment and management of the country park will be worked up by the Borough Council in consultation with the local community or by a local body to be approved by the Borough Council.

Long Sandall

(SAVED POLICY) RP9 –

LONG SANDALL WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR A COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/RESIDENTIAL/RECREATIONAL MIX OF LAND USES

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Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

16.44

The Borough Council prepared a Planning Brief in 1986 which recognised the potential for the above development in this historic waterside location. Subsequent planning permissions have not been implemented and it is considered appropriate that particularly with the Borough Council being a major landowner there is scope for the development of an initiative to promote and facilitate a mixed use scheme which will take account of the need to protect and enhance existing buildings and settings and to exploit the recreational potential of the South Yorkshire Canal.

Balby

(SAVED POLICY) RP10 –

THE FORMER ALLOTMENTS AND OTHER AREAS OF UNUSED AND UNDERUSED LAND EAST OF SANDFORD ROAD, BALBY WILL BE DEVELOPED FOR THE FOLLOWING USES:

  • PUBLIC OPEN SPACE INCORPORATING CHILDRENS PLAY AREAS, LANDSCAPED AMENITY AREAS, NATURE CONSERVATION AREAS AND FOOTPATH/CYCLEWAY LINK
  • SMALL-MEDIUM SCALE RETAIL / COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
  • EMPLOYMENT USES
  • COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC UTILITY USES
view map

Saved UDP policy which is not replaced by the Core Strategy or Joint Waste Plan.

16.45

This area forms part of a strategically important wedge of open space extending from open countryside into the centre of Balby separating areas of existing and proposed industry from areas of housing.

16.46

Balby is a dense urban area generally deficient in public open space; many of the houses have very small gardens and the environment suffers from the proximity of existing heavy industry and the heavily trafficked Balby Road, Following the recent rationalisation of allotments in the area and given other areas of unused and underused land, much of it in the Council's ownership, the opportunity exists to link the heart of this area directly to areas of existing and proposed open space at Balby Carr/Woodfield Plantation and to open countryside beyond; the most direct and desirable route, although not the only one, would be through operational but underused land attached to Balby Sewage Treatment Works. This is at present required for expansion and not available for public access although the land take required for access could be quite modest; should the opportunity arise the Council will seek agreement with Yorkshire Water Services to provide public access over this land.

16.47

There is an opportunity to create a landscaped pedestrian route/cycleway from Balby Road/Sandford Road through to the Carr View playing fields and the proposed country park at Woodfield Plantation. The area represents a major open space resource in its own right, however, with potential for creating an attractive landscaped setting suitable for informal recreation within which could be areas suitable for children's kickabout games and an equipped playground possibly relocated from the existing site at the end of Coronation Road. Elsewhere existing vegetation and new planting would be combined and managed to form "wild areas", sites of local nature conservation interest which would be of educational and recreational value to school children and the local community as well as being of ecological value. The implementation of this proposal would produce a major upgrading of this urban environment.

16.48

On the Sandford Road frontage underused land in existing employment and community uses together with some former allotment land affords an opportunity to provide a small-scale retail and/or commercial development which would tidy and improve the frontage whilst providing for the open space link through to the rear of the site.

16.49

Unused land off Cross Bank adjoining existing industrial premises would be suitable for the development of B1 Uses accessed off Cross Bank.