Council to discuss 199 new homes in Sandymoor South. Concerns arise over level crossing safety near the development.
Last March, they approved the basic idea. Now, they have more details. Keepmoat and Homes England are working together to build different sized homes, from one to four bedrooms. About 20% will be “affordable,” offering shared ownership and cheaper rent options.
Apartments are planned on the west side, with buildings having three floors. Other houses will have two or 2.5 floors. The land currently has a road and paths, along with grass, trees, and bushes.
A report says the plan is creative and works well with the land. It keeps some nature and connects the site effectively.
People sent in four objections; Network Rail is one of the objectors. They say the level crossing is dangerous, citing near collisions between trains and people, including one instance of a pedestrian walking into a train’s path.
Network Rail wants a bridge built first, before people live in the new homes. The council disagreed with these safety worries earlier and won’t close the level crossing, as that would block walking and biking.
The council thinks a bridge is not needed now, stating that the level crossing is already risky. They believe Network Rail should ensure safety. The committee may approve the plan, letting the planning director decide after fixing issues with water, noise, and roads.