PLANS to build more than 70 houses on the site of a former Monk Bretton care home – previously labelled ‘dangerous’ by concerns residents – are set to be fully approved this week.
Outline planning permission was granted to demolish the Belmont facility, off Lamb Lane, Monk Bretton, and replace it with a residential development of up to 82 homes in 2021.
The building was erected in the late 1960s and it was originally used as a residential facility for elderly people but in June 1999, Barnsley Council’s asylum and migration service welcomed 180 humanitarian evacuees from Kosovo to the facility which was then called Belmont Induction Centre.
Its last use was as a care home but since its closure several years ago, it’s been a priority patrol spot for police officers responsible for the area due to long-running complaints from councillors and residents.
Demolition work began in 2021, but was completed last year with the site now empty.
Councillors will discuss the latest plans – which have been suggested for approval – at a meeting this week.
A total of 72 dwellings are planned to be built on the site – despite a total of 11 letters of objection sent to the council regarding the development.
The main grounds of concern include an impact on drainage, reduced highway safety and a negative impact on the neighbouring listed buildings.
A report states: “The outline planning permission was granted to allow a maximum of 82 dwellings.
“The plans submitted as part of this reserved matters application propose a total number of 72 dwellings, which consist of eight one-bedroom apartments, 22 two-bedroom dwellings, 24 three-bedroom dwellings and 18 four-bedroom dwellings.
“In total there are 12 different house types proposed across the site.”
If approved, more than £400,000 would be set aside for section 106 payments relating to education and loss of green space.
The report added: “The development would generate the need for 15 primary school places and ten secondary school places. “This development would, therefore, generate the requirement for a contribution as follows -15 primary pupils totalling £240,000 and ten secondary school pupils totalling £160,000.
“A total contribution of £400,000 is therefore required.
“The assessment carried out at the outline stage determined that a contribution for public open space enhancements off site was preferred to on site provision due to the amount of green space already in the area.
“Based on the requirements of the S106 agreement and the calculation set out in the SPD a total off site contribution of £121,409.38 is required.”
A recommendation to approve the plans has been made.