Churwell New Village Public Meeting

Churwell Greenfields again under threat

Local residents filled a public meeting at Stanhope Hall in Churwell last Wednesday to discuss controversial plans by Persimmon Homes to bring over 50 houses to a Greenfield site adjacent to Churwell New Village. The meeting, called by local MBI Councillors, agreed to support a campaign to oppose the application because of Highways and Infrastructure concerns.

It was clear from the residents who attended the meeting that they opposed this proposal from Persimmon. They have major concerns about the capacity of the single spine road that serves the estate to take an additional 50 plus homes and over 100 additional car movements. They are also concerned that local schools and health centres can’t cope with the present demand on them from residents already living in the area and with the impact additional traffic will have on Churwell Hill.

The proposal breaches present planning rules that state that a single spine road serving an estate should not exceed 300 homes. The proposal, if agreed, would mean the single road serving almost 400 homes.

Cllr Bob Gettings tells me “We were asked by residents to launch a campaign to oppose this application should a formal planning application materialise. These additional houses cannot form sustainable development and - along with other sustainability issues – means local councillors will be working with residents to prevent the loss of this valuable Greenfield site.”