Controversial plans for housing on the disused and derelict former Wortley High School site could be approved next week – despite local concerns.
Keepmoat Homes wants to build 59 homes with access from Swallow Crescent. There would also be a small greenspace area on the site.
Members of the plans south and west panel will decide the application next Thursday, with planning officers recommending it for approval subject to conditions.
As reported by WLD in July, local residents raised concerns about access to the new development, claiming Swallow Crescent already has problems with parking.
In addition to 22 objections from nearby residents, Councillors Ann and David Blackburn (Green, Farnley and Wortley) have also raised concerns about the number of properties on the site.
Planning officers are recommending approval, subject to a number of conditions. In their report to councillors, they say on traffic issues:
“The Transport Statement shows that proposed residential traffic from the redevelopment of the school site in comparison are modest and lower than those previously occurring [at the school].
They also say the proposals also conform with both national and local planning policy.
The development would be a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties.The number of properties has been reduced by a total of two by developers since the plans were first submitted.
Site history
In 2015 the council unsuccessfully marketed the site for a potential two-storey, 45-unit staffed care home for older people.
The council agreed to sell the site for housing in December 2016.
The Dispatch reported last November on the demolition of the vandalised former caretaker’s house on the site.
The school itself was demolished in 2011.