North Anston greenbelt land saved from development
Todwick Road/Common Road, Dinnington Site of the proposed Brethren Gospel Hall and independent school
A RELIGIOUS community has said it is ‘very disappointed’ after its plans for an independent school and gospel hall were refused by Rotherham Council.
The Plymouth Brethren wanted to move to the site on greenbelt land between Todwick Road and Common Road in North Anston because it has outgrown its current school in Hellaby.
But the Planning Board decided the Brethren had not demonstrated the exceptional need necessary to build on greenbelt land.
Sarah Foster, community consultation coordinator for the application, said they were now reflecting on the best way forward.
“We are very disappointed with the result and will be reviewing the reasons for refusal and deciding on our next course of action once we have taken it all in,” she said.
“The neighbours of the site have been very supportive of the project and remain so.”
But campaigners fighting to prevent building on greenbelt land have welcomed the decision.
David Walker from the Dinnington and Anston Save Our Greenbelt action group said: “We are pleased that both Anston and Dinnington councils objected to the plans and that they were turned down by the Planning Board.”
“But we do hope the Brethren manage to find a suitable site on brownfield land.”
At the meeting Anston Parish Councillor Ian St John, speaking as a resident, spoke in favour of the plans, describing the Brethren’s current school as ‘a good school in the wrong location’.
He continued: “I understand some of the concerns but this is not an area of outstanding natural beauty. This building would quickly blend into the landscape and enhance it.”
“It is a school for children who live in this area who deserve a better school than they have at present.”
But Coun Clive Jepson said he was concerned granting this application would encourage others to try and build on greenbelt land in the area.
He also questioned the consultation with residents, which he said had been poorly attended.
Coun Barry Dodson said he found it ‘impossible to believe’ the Brethren were unable to find a suitable brownfield site in their catchment area.
He suggested two separate sites - one for the school and another for the gospel hall - may be a way forward.
“I can understand why they want to do it all on one site, but we live in the real world, and there are lots of faith schools that don’t have their places of worship on the same site,” he added.
Coun Gerald Smith said the proposed development was simply ‘in the wrong place’.
“Sheffield has said that it will not give up any of its greenbelt, so they have hopped over the border into Rotherham. I am totally opposed to the development.”
The Panning Board refused the application by 13 votes to one.
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Weather for Dinnington
Monday 20 May 2013
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