Decision details

To approve the adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document for Bassingthorpe following public consultation.

Consideration was given to the report which presented the Bassingthorpe Farm Supplementary Planning Document for approval. Bassingthorpe Farm was identified as a Strategic Allocation in the Rotherham Local Plan for around 2,400 new homes, 11 hectares of employment land, a local centre and a primary school. The Bassingthorpe Farm Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) provided more detail on existing planning policies to help bring forward the site for development. The purpose of the SPD was to guide the submission of planning applications and ensure the timely delivery of strategic infrastructure on and off site; ensure the provision of appropriate social and community facilities; and support any future funding bids for national grant opportunities. The Bassingthorpe Farm Strategic Allocation was pivotal to the delivery of Rotherham’s Local Plan and Housing Strategy, particularly given the changes to the National Planning Policy Framework that sought to deliver more new homes.

The previous report to Cabinet in January 2025 (20^th January 2025 Minute No. 109 referred) sought approval to undertake consultation on the draft SPD. This report sought adoption of the Bassingthorpe Farm SPD following extensive consultation and assessment of the representations and comments received during February and March 2025. A Consultation Statement was attached at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 setting out the key issues raised, and the changes made to the draft SPD. All representations were available to view on the Council’s Planning consultation website. Subject to Cabinet approval, the Consultation Statement would be published alongside the adopted SPD setting out the Council’s response to the comments received.

The vision for Bassingthorpe Farm was set out at Paragraph 1.6 of the report and the 5 placemaking principles were set out in Paragraph 1.7. These had not changed substantially following public consultation.

Consultation on the draft SPD was undertaken in line with The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 and the Council’s adopted Statement of Community Involvement. In response to the consultation the Council received 59 representations. All representations received had been considered and the Consultation Statement at Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 provided details of the issues raised, the Council’s response and how the SPD has been amended as a result. The main issues raised were summarised in paragraph 2.3 to 2.11.

During the meeting it was confirmed that the site would provide for approximately 2000 homes and that the homes were very much needed in Rotherham.

Resolved:

1.    That Cabinet approves the adoption of the Bassingthorpe Farm Supplementary Planning Document.

(Councillor Beresford declared an interest in Minute 50 – Bassingthorpe Farm Supplementary Planning Document on the basis that it involved her Ward and her property bordered the site)