Draft Neighbourhood Plan

Rossington – Draft Neighbourhood Plan

2016-2032

Rossington Parish Council January 2019

FOREWORD

On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to welcome you to the Rossington Draft Neighbourhood Plan.

Over the next fifteen years, the Parish will change significantly as it faces massive housing, economic and other forms of development and growth.

We hope that the Neighbourhood Plan will give residents a greater say in planning and other decisions over the next 15 years.

We are very keen that local issues be addressed by those who live in the area and who would potentially be affected by decisions made.

Every resident has had the opportunity to get involved in the making of this Plan. We have undertaken a range of consultation events aimed at residents of all ages.

The Plan has been developed by a small working group comprising parish councillors, Doncaster MBC ward councillors, other members of the community, the Parish clerk and Neighbourhood Plan consultants, AndrewTowlertonAssociates. The photographs have been kindly proved by Andrew McAteer and others.

I would like to thank all those who have worked on or contributed to the development of this Plan, and we hope that the policies we have proposed, stand the test of time and help ensure the Parish of Rossington continues to be the great, distinct and proud community it is.

Ali Harper

Chairman of Rossington Parish Council.

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CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 WHY WE HAVE DECIDED TO PREPARE THE PLAN 5

1.2 HOW THE PLAN FITS INTO THE PLANNING SYSTEM 6

1.3 THE PLAN PREPARATION PROCESS 6

1.4 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 7

2. ABOUT ROSSINGTON PARISH 8 2.1 ROSSINGTON PARISH THEN 9

2.2 ROSSINGTON PARISH NOW 9

2.3 ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 11

3. WHAT WE WANT IT TO ACHIEVE 13 3.1 VISION 13

3.2 OBJECTIVES 13

4. POLICIES FOR ROSSINGTON PARISH 14

4.1 OVERALL APPROACH 14

5.0 HOUSING 15

POLICY R1: HOUSING MIX 18

6.0 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH 20

POLICY R2: SUPPORTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESSES GROWTH 21

POLICY R3: PROTECTING SITES AND BUSINESSESES IN EMPLOYMENT USE 22

7.0 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 23

POLICY R4: PROTECTING IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FACILITIES 24

POLICY R5: SUPPORTING NEW AND ENHANCED COMMUNITY FACILITIES 25

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8.0 SHOPS AND ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE 25

POLICY R6: IMPROVING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE 26

POLICY R7: SHOPS OUTSIDE ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE 28

POLICY R8: HOT FOOD TAKEAWAYS 29

POLICY R9: DESIGN OF SHOP FRONTS 31

9.0 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 31

POLICY R10: GREEN BELT 33

POLICY R11: LOCAL GREEN SPACES 34

POLICY R12: TREES AND HEDGEROWS 37

POLICY R13: BIODIVERSITY 39

10.0 THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN 43

POLICY R14: LISTED BUILDINGS AND SCHEDULED MONUMENTS 45

POLICY R15: ROSSINGTON CHARACTER BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES 47

POLICY R16: DESIGN PRINCIPLES 49

11.0 GETTING AROUND AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 50

POLICY R17: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT 51

POLICY R18: FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS 53

12.0 DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS 53

POLICY 19: DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS 54

13. MONITORING AND REVIEW 54

FIGURES

FIGURE 1 ROSSINGTON PARISH – THE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN AREA 7

FIGURE 2 THE GREEN BELT 35

FIGURE 3 PROPOSED LOCAL GREEN SPACES 36

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1.INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the draft Neighbourhood Plan (“the Plan”) for the Parish1 of Rossington.

The Plan has been drawn up and championed by Rossington Parish Council (the Plan’s ‘Qualifying Body’) working closely with officers and members of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (Doncaster MBC), the local community and others with an interest in how Rossington develops over the coming years.

Neighbourhood Plans were introduced under the 2011 Localism Act. They are a powerful document, which provides communities with the power to establish their own planning policies to shape future development in and around where they live and work.

It means that they have a greater say on where homes, shops and offices should be built, what should look like and what infrastructure should be provided. As the National Planning Policy Framework (2012)2 states, “Neighbourhood planning gives communities the power to develop a shared vision for their area. Neighbourhood plans can shape, direct and help to deliver sustainable development, by influencing local planning decisions as part of the statutory development plan” (Para 29).

In preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, a community is not working from ‘a blank piece of paper’. There are rules and regulations that must be followed in its preparation.

Based on strong evidence gathered from the consultation and statistical sources such as the 2011 Census, the Plan, once adopted forms part of the Doncaster Development Plan. It will be kept under review and may change over time in response to new and changing needs and requirements.

The Plan area accords with the boundary of Rossington Parish.

While every effort has been made to make the Plan easy to read, the wording of the actual policies is necessarily more formal. This is so that it complies with statutory requirements.

It is also important to note that when using it to form a view on a development proposal or a policy issue, the whole document and the policies contained in it should be considered together.

1 The terms Rossington, Rossington Parish and the Parish of Rossington are all used interchangeable they all refer to the parish of Rossington unless indicated otherwise. 2https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/733637/National_Pl anning_Policy_Framework_web_accessible_version.pdf

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1.1 WHY WE HAVE DECIDED TO PRODUCE THE PLAN

Rossington Parish is undergoing massive and potentially transformational change.

A key milestone was a new road linking Rossington to Junction 3 of the M18. This, the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS), was completed in February 2016. It has opened up hundreds of hectares of land in the north of the Parish for housing, employment and other forms of development. Planning permission has already been secured for 1200 homes, together with commercial buildings, food and retail outlets, a school and a health centre on the site of the former Rossington Colliery. Work is also underway on Doncaster IPort a regionally important regeneration project. This will comprise a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange or Inland Port, a rail terminal and 562,000 sq. m of rail and road served distribution units for the logistics industry. The overall site area is 379 ha, with 171 ha being the main development site and the remaining being an access corridor and countryside area for landscaping and ecological mitigation.

Beyond the FARRS scheme, there are many other developments proposals under construction or in the pipeline. Notable, is a proposal for a major new world-class golf course together with leisure facilities and 500 ‘luxury’ homes at the 500-acre site at Rossington Hall, in addition to the many other smaller development proposals across the Parish.

Rossington in twenty years is likely to be very different than it is now.

The consultation shows that the local community understands the need for, and the benefits of development and the important role the Parish has in the economic, social and cultural success of Doncaster and the wider area. Some of these benefits are already being felt; employment growth, the regeneration of run-down sites and improved accessibility to the area.

That Rossington is changing and likely to be very different in the future than it is now was a major and recurring theme of the consultation. The community have concerns about the significant growth which is taking place and is planned for Rossington and the negative impact that this might have on the distinct character and identity of the Parish, if not managed appropriately. It is important to the community that development is undertaken with an appreciation of Rossington’s distinctive history and sense of place.

The potential impacts on local infrastructure, especially roads and services such as schools, medical facilities and open spaces is also of concern.

Ultimately, the community of Rossington wish to have a greater say in the development that takes place in the Parish. Local people are often best placed to understand what works well in their community. The Plan is an opportunity to ensure that any future development protects the attributes of the area that the community value and positively addresses the

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current and potential social, environmental and economic issues identified during the process.

It sets out a vision and process for how community wishes to see Rossington develop over the next fifteen years in a manner that best meets and addresses the local need, makes sense for local people and make Rossington an even better place to live, visit and do business in.

1.2 HOW THE PLAN FITS INTO THE PLANNING SYSTEM

The Government’s intention is for communities to have a greater say and role in the system by shaping future development in their area. However, all Neighbourhood Plans must be prepared to comply with a set of ‘Basic Conditions’, outlined as follows:

• Have regard to national planning policy, notably the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF); • Generally, conform with the strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area; • Contribute to the achievement of sustainable development; and • Not breach, and otherwise be compatible with EU obligations.

The Plan has been prepared to conform with these rules and regulations governing the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Plan does not duplicate national or borough (i.e. Doncaster MBC) planning policies. Its policies will, where appropriate, complement these; adding further detail to provide a distinct local approach to planning in the Parish. The locally formulated policies will be specific to Rossington Parish and reflect the needs and aspirations of the community. Where there are national and district planning policies that meet the needs and requirements of the Parish they are not repeated in the Plan.

1.3 THE PLAN PREPARATION PROCESS

Rossington Parish Council is the Qualifying Body, leading in the preparation of the Plan.

Designation of Rossington Parish as a Neighbourhood Area was approved by Doncaster MBC on 27 November 2012. The Neighbourhood Area is shown in Figure 1.

The Plan and its policies are underpinned by sound evidence, including documents produced by Doncaster MBC to support the development of the emerging Local Plan. Additional interrogation of the local Census results and housing data has also been undertaken along with local heritage and environmental studies, to supplement Doncaster wide studies.

Importantly, the Parish Council has ensured that there have been opportunities for all members of the community to input into it. Over 180 local residents responded to the

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community survey (2016), for example, the findings of which were used to define and develop the priorities of the Plan.

The Parish Council has also been proactive in engaging with local ward councillors, Doncaster MBC and other key stakeholders throughout the planning process, to ensure a robust Plan, that could effectively work alongside a future Local Plan for the district.

More information about the community engagement activities undertaken is provided on Rossington website at http://www.rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk/.

Figure 1: Rossington Parish - The Neighbourhood Plan Area

1.4 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

The Plan is now at the ‘pre-submission’ stage. This means that the Parish Council is satisfied that it has a robust draft Plan and now invites residents, landowners, businesses, agencies and other people to give their views on it. This is in accordance with national rules and regulations covering the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

Any comments received during this stage will be welcomed and considered by the Parish Council when amending the Plan.

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The revised draft Plan will then be submitted to Doncaster MBC, where it will undergo a further period of consultation, prior to examination by an Independent Examiner, who will check to see that it is has been prepared in the prescribed manner. If the Plan successfully passes this stage, with any modifications, it will be put to a referendum, where those on the electoral register in Rossington Parish will be invited to vote on whether they support it. If the majority of those who vote in the referendum are in favour of the draft Plan, it will be ‘made’ by Doncaster MBC and become part of the statutory development plan for the area.

Whilst planning applications will still be determined by Doncaster MBC, the production of a Neighbourhood Plan will mean that they must have regard to the provisions of the Plan and the relevant locally formulated criteria when reaching planning decisions that affect Rossington Parish. This means that the residents of the Parish will have far greater control over where development takes place, and what it looks like.

2. ABOUT ROSSINGTON PARISH

2.1 ROSSINGTON PARISH THEN

Rossington is a historic, former mining village about 6 miles south of Doncaster Town Centre.

The village is mentioned in the Doomsday Book and has a long history. The name Rossington is Anglo-Saxon in origin and translates from the old Anglo-Saxon name of 'Farm on the Moor’. In Roman times, there was a major fort (the largest between Lincoln and York). Rossington Bridge was an important staging post on the Great North Road, which ran through the Parish.

Until the turn of the Nineteenth Century, Rossington was essentially a rural community.

Following the sinking of Rossington Main Colliery between 1915 and 1920, the Parish experienced considerable growth, which has seen it develop into a sizeable parish. A large planned colliery village ‘New Rossington’ was built next to the (then) linear village of Rossington. Its population grew from a few hundred in 1901 to many thousands in 1921.

Further waves of house building have taken place since. Most of the new house building has taken place to the south and east of the settlements of Old and New Rossington. These two settlements together with some outlying hamlets such as Littleworth have effectively merged together to form the bigger settlement of Rossington.

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2.2 ROSSINGTON PARISH NOW

2.2.1 SETTLEMENT

Extending to over 1,426 hectares, the Parish includes the main settlement of Rossington which comprises the adjoining ‘villages’ of Old and New Rossington. Old Rossington and New Rossington are effectively separated by the East Coast Main Railway line that cuts (north-west to south-east) across the Parish. There are only two crossing points between the old and new villages. Most of its services and facilities such as shops, schools and medical facilities are to be found in these two settlements.

Beyond New and Old Rossington, there are several hamlets, namely Hesley, Littleworth, Rossington Bridge and Shooters Hill, plus a number of isolated dwellings. Littleworth was enlarged to a degree in the 1970s, when Littleworth Park Estate was built. These settlements are surrounded by, and interspersed with, large areas of green space. These green spaces provide an important backdrop and context for the Parish.

The Parish is strategically well located in relation to the national road network, with convenient access to the M1, A1(M) and M18 motorways. Its accessibility was further enhanced by the new Finningley and Rossington regeneration route (FARRS) that connects Junction 3 of the M18 allowing access to Robin Hood Airport, which is less than four miles away.

2.2.2 COMMUNITY

Rossington is a popular place to live with a strong sense of identity and community spirit. Its population increased from 13,255 in 2001 to 13, 557 in 2011.

Reflecting the national trend, it has an ageing population. At 26%, the proportion of people aged 65 plus is above the equivalent borough (21%) and national (16%) averages. The mean age of 39 years is slightly lower than the comparative Doncaster (40) average but the same as the national average.

Levels of deprivation, ill-health and disability are major challenges, and above the national average. Much of the Parish is amongst the 10% most deprived communities in the country.

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The Parish has a reasonable range of community facilities and services. These include churches, primary schools, secondary school, medical facilities, pubs, shops and a village hall. Generally, residents look outside the Parish, mainly to Doncaster Town Centre, to meet many of their day to day retail, community and other needs.

Its growing population will place additional pressures on these community facilities and services, many of which are already overstretched.

2.2.3 HERITAGE AND ENVIRONMENT

There is evidence of Roman settlement in the Parish, principally, buried remains of Roman pottery kilns together with other related structures and deposits of pottery production. Rossington Bridge, situated on the crossing of the Roman road from Lincoln to York, was once a major Roman fort. Rossington Bridge Roman potteries and Rossington Roman fort are both Scheduled Ancient Monuments.

There are nine Listed Buildings, a cluster of which fall within Old Rossington, with others associated with Rossington Hall in the south of the Parish. There are a further 59 historic assets listed on the South Yorkshire Sites and Monuments Record.3

There is a strong community appreciation for the countryside that surrounds the village. It provides an important setting to the settlements and enables easy access for residents and visitors to enjoy the wide open spaces through the network of footpaths and bridleways. Rossington Miners Welfare Club

The natural environment supports some important habitats and a wide variety of wildlife and wildflowers, some of which are rare or declining. There are several large woodland areas located throughout the Parish, some of which has been identified as Ancient.

There are no statutory environmental designations within the Parish. Just over the Parish boundary to the north, within the adjoining Parish of Loversall, Potteric Carrr is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The site is a patchwork of open water, reed bed and wet

3 The South Yorkshire SMR is a database of all known archaeology of South Yorkshire, including standing remains, buried features, stray finds and buildings of archaeological interest.

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grassland and represents one the largest and most diverse wetland of its type in the country. This, although outside of the Rossington Parish, is an important environmental consideration, given the close proximity and connectivity of the site through a network of drains and River Torne.

The Old School House

2.3 ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The Parish will undergo massive change over the next ten years and beyond. A wide and diverse range of development proposals is planned - spanning new roads, housing, employment, schools, leisure and sporting uses. These proposals have the potential to provide opportunities for the local community. The key ones are: Doncaster IPort (or Doncaster Inland Port) Work is also underway on the Doncaster IPort a regionally important regeneration project. The entire project site covers 397.4 ha (982 acres), of which 171 ha (420 acres) is proposed to be used for the warehousing and the development of railway terminal linked to the East Coast Mainline Railway, making it the largest rail terminal in Yorkshire. The site will include extensive green spaces including landscaping and habitat creation.

Rossington Hall (‘The Yorkshire@Rossington Hall’)

In 2016 a planning application was submitted Doncaster MBC to develop about 500 hectares of land close to Rossington Hall. The proposal would see the development of an international PGA tournament quality 18-hole golf course, leisure facilities, 500 new homes, all set within large areas of landscaping and other green spaces.

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Regeneration scheme on the former Rossington Colliery site This major mixed-use regeneration scheme on the former Rossington Colliery site was approved in 2012. This will result in the creation of over a thousand new homes together with hundreds of hectares of land for employment, leisure and other uses, including new shops and a primary school. The Finningley and Rossington regeneration route (FARRS) Completed in February 2016, this project provides a new link road from the M18 to Rossington and the Doncaster IPort. It has the potential to not only improve connections to the motorway network and the nearby Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield as well as the wider region but also provide opportunities for housing and employment.

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3. WHAT WE WANT IT TO ACHIEVE

The Plan seeks to address the development challenges and opportunities that face the Parish of Rossington over the next sixteen years. It focuses on those areas where the evidence has identified the most pressing need for action and which the Plan can have the greatest impact.

3.1 VISION

It has at its heart a Vision, which is derived from the consultation. The community and all partners are committed to realising this Vision:

“To sustain and enhance Rossington Parish as a proud, distinctive and thriving community and a great place to live, visit and work, which has been able to accommodate significant development that supports the local community and enhances the built and natural environment”.

This Vision will be realised by a small number of planning policies, which consultation shows matter most to the community, and to which the Plan can add the greatest added value.

3.2 OBJECTIVES

A number of objectives have been established to help realise the Vision for Rossington and to provide a policy framework to guide the development necessary to deliver it.

o To ensure that everyone benefits from Rossington’s growth. o To sustain and reinforce Rossington’s distinct identity, history and sense of community. o To ensure that development is integrated into and enhances the Parish and includes suitable infrastructure. o To protect and enhance the countryside and open space that is important to the community and/or wildlife. o To provide new housing which is of the right type and tenure to meet housing need. o To ensure a good range community facilities and services that meet the present and future needs of its rapidly changing population. o To ensure a safe and pleasant environment for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic on roads.

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o To help ensure that residents have a greater say over development affecting the Parish. o To reinforce the role of Rossington Village Centre. o To create an environment that makes it attractive for the self-employed and other businesses to locate and flourish.

4. POLICIES FOR ROSSINGTON PARISH

4.1 OVERALL APPROACH

4.1.1 GROWTH STRATEGY AND RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL PLAN

In preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, a community is not working from a blank piece of paper; there are rules and regulations governing how it must be prepared.

A key requirement is that a Neighbourhood Plan must be prepared to be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan for the area. In the case of Rossington, this is the Doncaster Local Plan.

Fulfilling this requirement, however, is slightly complicated by the absence of an approved Local Plan for Doncaster. Doncaster MBC has made good progress in preparing one, and at the time of writing this Plan, a draft Local Plan has been issued, the contents of which are expected to form the basis of the final Plan.

The draft Local Plan identifies Rossington as a main location for more housing, employment and other growth in the Borough up to 2032 and beyond. This includes the identification of land for approximately a thousand dwellings during the Plan period (with many more proposed beyond the Local Plan period, i.e. after 2032). The majority of these houses will be built on the site of former Rossington Colliery. The draft Local Plan also provides for over 100 hectares of new employment land much of which is associated with the Doncaster IPort which will create over 6 million square feet of employment (mainly warehouse) space. In addition, it includes proposals for new shops, a school and a health centre as well as green spaces.

The Plan considers that the amount and location of housing and employment development are best determined at a strategic level through the Doncaster Local Plan. The will provide an opportunity for residents, developers and other interested bodies to contribute to this debate.

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This does not mean that the Plan does not have strong views on the growth strategy for Rossington as articulated in the draft Local Plan. Far from it. As previously highlighted, while the community is generally comfortable with the significant amount of development planned for the Parish it has clear aspirations on the type and nature of this development. It is this that the Plan focuses on.

The Plan has been prepared in parallel with the emerging Local Plan and has drawn on its evidence base where relevant. The aim is that the Plan will be approved ahead of the adoption of the Local Plan, and in so doing, inform certain aspects of the Local Plan, pertaining to development in the Parish.

It is recognised, however, that this may mean that there is a risk some aspects of the Plan will be superseded by the Local Plan in due course.

5.0 HOUSING

What did the consultation tell us? o New housing should meet the present and future needs of the Parish especially its growing older population. o As far as possible, housing should be genuinely affordable. o New housing should look towards, and integrate with, the wider Parish.

Objectives o To provide new housing which is of the right type and tenure to meet housing need o To ensure that everyone benefits from Rossington’s growth. o To sustain and reinforce Rossington’s distinct identity, history and sense of community. o To ensure that development is integrated into and enhances the Parish and includes suitable infrastructure.

5.1 HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AND MEETING HOUSING NEEDS

One of the most important aspects of the Plan is to consider the type of new housing in the Plan area for the next 16 years.

Rossington’s semi-rural location, the range of services, sense of identity and good transport links makes it an attractive place to live.

In recent years, it has seen a lot of (mainly private) housing development, especially around the Old Village.

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More significant housing development is in the pipeline. This includes the planned development of 1,200 new homes on the site of the former Rossington Colliery.

5.2 HOUSING PROVISION

For the period 2015 to 2032, the draft Doncaster Local Plan provides a total of 15,640 dwellings for Doncaster, which is an average of 920 homes distributed primarily across the main urban centres in the Borough.

The draft Local Plan breaks the overall Doncaster wide housing target into proposed numbers for each of the main settlements in the Borough. For Rossington, the proposed target is for 934 new homes between 2015 and 20324. This is made up of 375 homes required to meet local needs and a further 559 to meet economic growth led housing need.

There are existing housing commitments in the Parish totalling over 1,000 dwellings. These commitments include the several hundred homes to be built as part of the development of the former Rossington Colliery site as well as many other small sites scattered across the Borough.

These housing commitments should be more than enough to meet the target set for Rossington in the draft Local Plan. As the draft Local Plan states, “Stainforth, Hatfield, Dunscroft, Dunsville and Rossington already have planning consents that exceed their combined local needs and economic growth shares”1.

This view is supported by the local community, and reflected in the findings of the parish survey, where 54% of respondents considered that the amount and location of housing planned for the Parish “is about right”.

As discussed earlier, it is intended to leave specific decisions regarding the scale and location of future housing growth, including specific allocations of land, to the Doncaster Local Plan which is currently in preparation. However, the community through the Plan wish to influence the type of housing that is provided, in order to ensure that it meets local need.

4 http://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/planning/homes-settlements-and-updated-sustainability-appraisal- of-doncaster-s-growth-options-consultation-march-2016

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New housing development on the former Rossington colliery site

5.3 HOUSING MIX

It is felt strongly by the community, that the housing growth planned for Rossington should help provide for the changing needs of all of its population and support a balanced and integrated community.

This issue is of special significance as there is strong evidence that the housing stock is imbalanced and does not reflect or cater to the changing needs and requirements of the Parish.

Analysis of the 2011 Census results shows that there is a relative lack of smaller housing and a relative over provision of larger housing. At 76%, for example, the proportion of homes with three or more bedrooms; is far higher than the Doncaster Borough (69%), Yorkshire and Humber Region (61%) and national (60%) averages. Further, there is anecdotal evidence that this imbalance has been exacerbated since the Census, with the majority of new homes sold5 in recent years being three or four bedrooms. There are examples of recent major housing developments that exclusively comprise 3 or four bedroomed properties.

Reflecting the national trend of an ageing population, Rossington’s 65 plus age group is forecast to increase by over 41% between 2014 and 2034. The current housing mix is unlikely to meet the needs of its ageing population who wish to downsize to remain in the Parish.

5 Account for approximately 62% of new build sales

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Neither does it meet the needs of the above average number of young people (source 2011 Census), often first-time buyers that currently live or would like to live in the Parish

It is important that the employment opportunities made available through the significant developments planned for Rossington are accompanied by suitable housing that will enable people to live and work locally.

This statistical evidence is supported by community consultation which favours the provision of smaller homes in future housing developments. This is partly in response to an ageing population, but also due to the identified needs of young people and young families wishing to remain or return to live in the area.

The housing imbalance, skewed heavily towards larger dwellings, coupled with expressed community need and anticipated future needs, provides compelling evidence for smaller homes, especially two or three bedroomed houses.

This means that the current trend in housing developments will need to change to provide a greater proportion of smaller dwellings as well as well-designed specialist housing for example lifetime homes, sheltered housing and other forms of assisted living.

The Plan is not seeking the construction of exclusively one or two bedroomed and specialist housing (e.g. for older people) over the Plan period. It does, however, require their prioritisation in any housing mix to create a more balanced demographic over time.

Further detail regarding current housing characteristics and need in the Parish is provided in an accompanying supporting evidence report, which can be found on Rossington Town Council website at http://www.rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk/.

POLICY R1: HOUSING MIX

1. New housing development proposals of more than one dwelling should provide a housing mix that reflects the most up to date published evidence of housing need at a local and district level. This should include smaller dwellings (one or two bedrooms) suitable for older people wishing to downsize and first time home buyers. No more than 50% of new homes in a development of more than one dwelling should have 4 or more bedrooms. 2. Proposals that include dwellings suitable for older and/or people with mobility issues including adaptable homes will be encouraged.

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5.4 AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The provision of affordable and social housing is a significant issue in Rossington Parish.

While compared to many parts of the country the cost of a property to rent or buy in the Parish may appear to be relatively low, locally it remains a major barrier especially to those on low incomes.

According to the Government’s Office for National Statistics, the average cost of a low to medium property in the Parish was £105,000 in 2016. Assuming a 15% deposit, those entering the property market in the area would require a household income of £19,833 and savings of £17,750 (deposit of £15,750 together with £2,000 for legal and moving costs), which is a challenge for many households.

Consequently, people who wish to live in the Parish, including those with a local connection, may be unable to do so as they cannot find suitable accommodation either to buy or rent. Housing development such as the former Rossington Colliery Site (currently underway and includes provision for about 100 affordable homes) will make an important contribution to meeting this need. However; it is not considered that this will be sufficient to meet the local need for affordable housing.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council set out the detailed policy concerning the provision of affordable housing. This requires that all new housing development proposals, especially those involving fifteen or more dwellings, should provide an appropriate level of affordable homes. This Policy, however, is being reviewed as part of the development of the emerging Local Plan and may change. It is hoped that the revised policy will be finalised shortly.

This Plan strongly supports the provision of a high proportion of good quality affordable housing targeted to local demand as part of a housing development proposal. Moreover, that it be fully integrated and visually indistinguishable from market housing throughout the development. It is also seeking the prioritisation of local residents in the allocation of affordable housing. These were both major themes of the consultation.

Further, the Parish Council, in partnership with Doncaster MBC and other relevant parties, will monitor the demand for, and availability of, affordable housing in the Parish. If a clearly identified need for affordable homes is identified in the future, which cannot be addressed through borough planning policies, other options to secure the provision of more affordable housing in the Parish will be investigated.

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6.0 EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

What did the consultation tell us? o The community is generally supportive of the major contribution the Parish will make to the economic success of Doncaster and the wider sub-region. o The need to ensure that Parish fully benefits from the new economic and employment opportunities. o Potential adverse consequences associated with existing and planned economic development, for example, on its roads, are addressed.

Objectives o To ensure that everyone benefits from Rossington’s growth. o To reinforce the role of Rossington Village Centre. o To create an environment that makes it attractive for the self-employed and other businesses to locate and flourish.

6.1 SUPPORTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND BUSINESS GROWTH

Rossington is an attractive and supportive location for businesses to be based and grow. It enjoys a strategic location with excellent access to road, rail and air networks. It also benefits from a good quality business support and infrastructure, including discrete industrial estates such as the Bankwood Lane Trading Estate.

It is home to many hundreds of businesses spanning a wide and diverse range of sectors including the services sector, manufacturing and a growing number in the warehousing sector. The vast majority of these businesses are small, employing less than ten people, but some are larger.

The consultation shows that residents, businesses and other stakeholders wish to see Rossington offer a high-quality business environment, that allows businesses to grow and prosper and create employment opportunities in the Parish and the wider area.

The economic role, profile and fortunes of the Parish will receive a major boost over the coming years. The draft Doncaster Local Plan aims to considerably strengthen the economic role of Rossington both for Doncaster Town and wider area. Prominent here is the development of the Doncaster IPort. Of sub-regional significance, this 170-hectare development includes an intermodal rail terminal and over 100 hectares of land planned for warehousing and other forms of economic development. With the potential to create many thousands of jobs, it will be the largest rail terminal in Yorkshire. In addition, there are many other employment generating development proposals planned or in the pipeline both large

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

and small. For example, the proposed international golf facility at Rossington Hall has the potential to create further employment and economic opportunities.

When asked as part of the Parish survey about areas proposed for commerce and industry in the draft Local Plan, 69% stated that they think it is about right; with only 25% stating that ‘they think it is too much’.

Doncaster IPort, one of the largest economic development projects in Yorkshire

Supporting local residents and business to benefit from these new employment and investment opportunities was a major theme of the consultation. In addition to providing sites and infrastructure to create jobs and investment, there is a need to ensure that all people in the Parish have the opportunities needed to access jobs and meet the needs of employers. This is especially important as there is some evidence that some residents may require support to do so. That skill and entrepreneurship levels are below the national average is just one good example of this. Without support and action, it is doubtful that the residents and businesses will benefit from the new employment and business as they should.

The Plan supports and encourages actions aimed at connecting local people to the new economic and job opportunities and preventing the barriers such as training or transport that restricts them from doing so. This benefits both businesses and local people and is key to a sustainable economy and a vibrant community.

POLICY R2: SUPPORTING LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

The Plan supports and encourages actions and development proposals which will create employment and business opportunities within the Parish. This especially includes, where appropriate:

a) The promotion of local employment and training opportunities such as through local labour agreements.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

b) Setting up or improving initiatives to develop skills and employment opportunities for local people, including the provision of small and starter units for new businesses. c) The provision of employment units of varying sizes to meet the needs of a wide range of employers. d) The provision, and enhancement, of foot, cycle and public transport links between the employment areas and the main residential areas. In addition, there is a need to provide road infrastructure were necessary to relieve the local roads of industrial traffic.

6.2 PROTECTING SITES AND BUILDINGS IN EMPLOYMENT USE

A key feature of the Parish is that its historic development has meant that some residential and employment areas have developed simultaneously, and businesses are sometimes situated within or adjacent to residential areas. This includes a growing number of residents who work from home. These businesses are highly valued by the local community. They provide much-needed employment and economic opportunities close to where people live.

While the vast majority of such businesses can operate and prosper in residential areas without issue, there have been some concerns with a small number of these. Some operate in sites and buildings that were not designed for, nor can be easily adapted to, meet modern business needs due to, for example, inadequate parking or vehicular access. Others are not suitable to be located in or close in a residential area due to the smells, fumes or noise nuisance, for example.

Policy R3 seeks to ensure that employment sites should, wherever possible, be preserved for the continuing prosperity of the community, particularly where it does not interfere with residential amenity.

POLICY R3: PROTECTING SITES AND BUILDINGS IN EMPLOYMENT USE

1. Development proposals for the redevelopment or change of use of land or buildings in employment use to non-employment uses will only be supported where it can be shown that the land or building is no longer suitable and/or viable for employment use and has been actively marketed at a reasonable price for at least six months.

2. Proposals which lead to the improvement, modernisation or upgrading of current employment sites and buildings will be welcomed and supported, subject to there being no adverse impacts on the amenity of neighbours.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

7.0 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

What did the consultation tell us? o The community highly prize communities facilities and wish to them protected, and wherever possible, enhanced. o Concern about the gradual loss of important community facilities and that the existing provision is not keeping up with its changing needs and priorities. o Concern about the impact the planned major new housing developments will have on existing provision.

Objectives o To ensure that development is integrated into and enhances the Parish and includes suitable infrastructure. o To ensure a good range community facilities and services that meet the present and future needs of its rapidly changing population. Community facilities such as schools, libraries, churches, medical facilities, pubs and sport and leisure centres are an integral part of a strong, healthy and sustainable community. It is important that such facilities are available locally and are accessible.

Rossington generally has a reasonable range of community facilities that serve the needs of all age groups and are used for a range of community activities and events. They play an important part in the strong sense of community and often act as the focal point for community activity and interaction.

Facilities in the Parish include churches, parish hall, GPs, dentists, a primary and secondary school, post office, three pubs, Miner’s Welfare Scheme as well as other sporting, leisure and community facilities. In 2017 Doncaster MBC St Michaels Church undertook an audit of key services such as schools, shops and sporting and medical facilities that each of the main settlements (including Rossington) has and ranks them in order of the number of those services. The findings of this underline that the provision of community facilities in the Parish is reasonable. With a score of 11 (out of 12), Rossington ranked joint 3rd of the 20 plus settlements surveyed in Doncaster.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

The consultation shows that residents greatly value these community facilities and wish to see them retained. There was, however, some concern about the gradual decline in community facilities, such as the loss of the manned police station. This has resulted in residents having to travel further to access these facilities. This presents problems, especially for those who rely on public transport to access these.

Rossington Parish Community Hall

Further, residents consider that the quality of the facilities such as some parks and community buildings is variable, and some would benefit from refurbishment or improvement. Also, that there should be a wider range of facilities such as a police station (perhaps in conjunction with a fire station) and medical related (in particular a doctors surgery). The impact that development will have on the capacity of some facilities, especially schools and medical related (especially doctors surgeries), was a major theme of the consultation.

POLICY R4: PROTECTING COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Development proposals that result in the loss of a community facility will not be supported, unless the building or facility is replaced by an equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality in an equally suitable location, or it can be clearly demonstrated to the satisfaction of Doncaster MBC, in consultation with the Parish Council, that the service or

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

facility is unviable or is no longer required by the community. The following facilities have been identified as being especially important to the community:

• St Michaels Church of England Church. • Rossington Miners Welfare Scheme, Grounds and associated Buildings. • Rossington Community Swimming Pool and Youth Centre. • Church of Saint Luke the Evangelist. • Rossington Parish Memorial Hall. • Rossington Police Station. • Christ the King Church. • New Rossington Post Office. • Rossington Methodist Church. • Rossington Community Library • Brodsworth Way Pavilion. • Children’s Play Area. • Rossington MUGGA. • Proposed Country Park off Grange Lane.

POLICY R5: SUPPORTING NEW AND ENHANCED COMMUNITY FACILITIES

1. Development proposals to provide new or enhanced community facilities will be supported where it can be demonstrated to Doncaster MBC, in consultation with the Parish Council, that: a) it meets a local need; b) the location supports public transport use or opportunities for active travel; and c) the siting, scale and design respects the character of the surrounding area, including any historic and natural assets; 2. The provision of new or enhanced medical (e.g. doctors surgeries) or community safety (e.g. police station, fire station) related facilities will be especially encouraged.

8.0 SHOPS AND ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE

What did the consultation tell us? o The community values its shopping provision and wishes to see it protected, and wherever possible, enhanced. o Rossington Village Centre continues to perform an important role and is well used, but could be improved. o Concern regarding the spread of hot-food takeaways.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

Objectives o To reinforce and enhance the role of Rossington Village Centre. o To protect and enhance other important shops.

Rossington has a reasonable range of shops that serve the needs of the Parish and to a lesser extent the wider area. These include supermarkets, a post office, hairdressers, newsagents, cafes, butchers, hot food takeaways and a petrol filling station. They are convenient, well used and highly prized by residents.

Retail uses are clustered in the defined Rossington Village Centre, which is the main shopping area.

Consultation shows that these shops are important to residents and their quality of life. They provide a valuable service in meeting the day to day needs of residents, as well as providing opportunities for investment and local employment close to where people live. They also reduce the need to travel and act as a focal point for community life and interaction

A common theme of the consultation was that shopping provision is adequate but limited. In particular, Rossington lacks the range of shops to be found in similar nearby villages such as Armthorpe. The growth in hot food takeaways is also a major concern.

8.1 ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE

Most of the shopping provision in the Parish is concentrated in Rossington Village Centre, along King Avenue, Nelson Road and Queen Mary’s Road. It has a variety of local shops and amenities such as hot food takeaways, furniture shops, post office, bakery, butcher, opticians amongst others. The village shops are generally well utilised, the community survey revealing that 23% of residents undertake their ‘main shop’ in the village. While popular, there is a strong view that much could be done to improve the attractiveness of the Village Centre through, for example, better shop frontages, and action to address some of the physical eye-sores detracting from it. Further, that it would benefit from a greater range of shops.

The proximity of the Rossington Village Centre to recent and significant development like the Doncaster IPort, Rossington Hall and the regeneration scheme on the site of the former Rossington Colliery provide major opportunities for increased footfall.

As an integral part of the development of the Plan, specialist planners and urban designers from the consultants AECOM were commissioned to create a Master Plan for the Village Centre. This “aims to support the vision of the Neighbourhood Planning group by providing interventions that help create safe, accessible, attractive and vibrant urban environment for Rossington. With the FARRS connecting to Doncaster Sheffield airport and the establishment

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of the Amazon Distribution Centre; opportunity to improve and upgrade the facilities in Rossington Village Centre becomes significant”. A summary of key proposals of the Master Plan:

• Provision for public realm improvements and upgrade to Rossington Village Centre this would include resurfacing/paving with high-quality material and provision of street furniture in suitable locations. • Framing the street with trees to improve urban environment. • Provision of shared surface with pedestrian priority to improve access. • Enhanced gateways and wayfinding provisions. Adequate signage at key gateways which could take inspiration in the mining heritage of Rossington to improve legibility and navigation into the Village Centre. • Shop front upgrades along King Avenue, Nelson Road and Queen Mary’s Road with provision of spill out cafe spaces to create active frontages. This could be phased out with some shops setting standards for others shops in the street. • Resurfacing the existing disused market area with similar material palette as the Village Centre streets. Market area could be re-purposed into flexible space for local markets/events/ exhibitions etc. and as temporary parking facility when not in use. • The central green space could be reconfigured into public focused space with additional provisions for seating and street furniture upgrade. A fenced children’s play area (LEAP) within the green space and shared surfaces along King Avenue, Duke and Earl Avenue could be facilitated.

A fall copy of the report can be found on the Rossington Town Council website at http://www.rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk/.

The consultation with the community has confirmed that the proposals provide a sound basis to improve the Village Centre. This will be used to work with developers, Doncaster MBC, Parish Council and other relevant organisations to realise improvements, including through developer

POLICY R6: IMPROVING THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE

Development proposals should be to demonstrate how they contribute to enhancing the character, attractiveness and accessibility of Rossington Village Centre, by: a) ensuring that they are of an appropriate scale, well designed and of a mass, layout and materials that respond positively to the character of the Village Centre; b) improving the public realm to create a more and attractive and pleasant environment; and c) improving the legibility for pedestrians, cyclists and car users. They should have regard to and respond positively to the general principles as outlined in the Rossington Village Masterplan Design Guide (2018) and summarised above.

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8.2 SHOPS OUTSIDE ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE

There are several shops outside the Village Centre, which are to be found scattered across the Parish. These include purpose shopping parade such as off Raburn Road and Gattison Lane as well as individuals shops.

These are important for meeting the day-to-day needs of the communities they serve, especially for the above average number of people in the Parish without access to a car.

In addition, a small shopping parade (potentially including a petrol filling station) is planned as part of a major one thousand plus new housing development on the site of the former Rossington Colliery.

The consultation shows residents would also like to see these enhanced and protected.

POLICY R7: SHOPS OUTSIDE ROSSINGTON VILLAGE CENTRE

Development proposals that would result in the loss of a shopping use outside of the defined Rossington Village Centre will not be supported unless it can be demonstrated to Doncaster MBC in consultation with the Parish Council that its continued use for shopping is no longer viable and the site has been actively marketed for at least six months for shopping purposes.

8.3 HOT FOOD TAKEAWAYS

Hot food takeaways (Use Class A5) include shop types such as chip shops, kebab shops, Indian and other takeaways, but not sandwich bars and restaurants and cafes.

Recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of hot food takeaways in the Parish.

Whilst it is recognised that hot food takeaways can contribute to the mix of shopping uses and can provide a popular service to local communities as well as providing employment opportunities, the view is that the Parish is now saturated with them, many of which are near schools.

A recent study (Hot Food Takeaways: an evidence review for Doncaster 2016) showed, for example, that over 90% of residents in Rossington Ward area live within 1,000m of a hot food takeaway.

Hot food takeaways are detracting from the retail offer in the Parish. They are displacing other shops to the detriment of the Village Centre and residents. Clustering of hot food takeaway can lead to dead frontages during daytime hours.

The consultation also shows the community is concerned about some of the negative aspects sometimes associated with these uses, including noise and disturbance, antisocial behaviour

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and increased litter, especially if several of these uses are clustered together, or are in primarily residential areas.

Their growth is also linked to the growing levels of obesity in the Parish and more widely. It has one of the highest levels of people with poor health and being overweight. There is a clear link between increased body fat (obesity) and risk of medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart and liver disease.

Doncaster has one of the highest levels of people with poor health and being overweight. According to the results of Sport England’s Active People Survey, 75% of adults in Doncaster are overweight or obese. This is a rate that this is well above the national average (65%) and the fourth highest of the 300 plus local authority areas in England. The rate in Rossington is considered to be above the national average.

Diet is a key determinant both of general health and obesity levels. Hot food takeaways are a source of cheap, energy-dense and nutrient-poor foods. Research indicates that once a child or adolescent develops obesity they are more likely to remain obese into adulthood, have poor health and reduced life expectancy. The proliferation of hot food takeaway food shops in the Parish, is, therefore, a cause for concern.

In recent years, the number of shopping units in the Village Centre has not changed significantly. There has, however, been a notable increase in non-core shopping uses especially hot food takeaways. Takeaways make up a significant element of the Village Centre offer at about 10% of the units, and account for the majority of evening uses. This is almost double the national average for fast food and takeaways at 5.52% of units (2012 GOAD data).

POLICY R8: HOT FOOD TAKEAWAYS

1. The Plan is concerned with the proliferation of hot food takeaways in the Parish. Development proposals for Hot Food Takeaways will be supported, where: a) they are located within the defined Rossington Village Centre; b) they are not within 400 metres of any primary or secondary school; c) no more than 10% of the ground floor retail units within the defined Village Centre are occupied by hot food takeaways; and d) no more than two Class A5 Uses are located adjacent to each other. 2. Development proposals for hot food takeaways should also include the provision of a litter bin to serve customers on land within the premises, of which the property will be responsible for its maintenance, emptying on a regular basis and the area adjacent to the premise to be kept clear, where appropriate. They should be sited so as not to cause an odour nuisance to neighbouring residential or commercial properties but be convenient to access for refuse collection services. Where a litter bin cannot be provided within the curtilage of the premises, a commuted sum will be sought towards the provision of a litter bin within a nearby location

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8.4 DESIGN OF SHOP FRONTS

Well-designed shop fronts can greatly improve the appearance of shopping areas and the wider area.

Generally, the quality of shop fronts is reasonable. There is concern that the character of some shops and the wider street scene has been eroded by poor and unsympathetic alterations to shop fronts. This concern was specifically highlighted in the Rossington Village Masterplan, which states, “poor quality neglected shop fronts detract from the visual appeal of the Village Centre and have contributed to degraded urban setting of the place”. The Masterplan went on to identify shop front upgrades as one of its key improvement proposals for Rossington village centre.

There is a particular concern with the spread of solid external roller shutters in the Village Centre and more widely. In recent years, several shopkeepers have installed these principally as a means of crime prevention. The Plan recognises the importance of security for commercial premises (mainly shops, but also some business premises). This needs to balanced, however, with ensuring that these security measures do not detract from the attractiveness of shopping areas and the wider area. Solid shutters can have a ‘deadening’ effect on the surrounding area when the shops are closed. They obscure the window display, attract graffiti and have a negative impact. They also increase the fear of crime and antisocial behaviour, particularly at night when most shutters are down.

Only in the light of evidence that shows a high-security risk which cannot be addressed by conventional non-solid or other reasonable means, will solid shutters be considered. Even in such special circumstances shutters should be up during daytime hours.

POLICY R9: DESIGN OF SHOP FRONTS

Development proposals to alter or replace existing shop fronts will be supported, where they:

(a) conserve and enhance the character of the building of which it forms part and of the street in which it is situated; and

(b) relate well to their context in terms of design, scale, material and colour.

Development proposals that remove, replace or adversely affect shop fronts by poor or unsympathetic design, including roller shutters will only be supported in special circumstances.

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9.0 NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

What did the consultation tell us? o Green spaces are highly valued and need to be protected. o Wildlife and wildflowers should be protected and enhanced. o Strong appreciation for trees and hedgerows.

Objectives o To protect and enhance the countryside and open space that is important to the community and/or wildlife.

The Parish is rural in character and comprises the adjoining villages of old and new Rossington, small hamlets and individual dwellings scattered amongst generally attractive and open countryside.

A Landscape Character and Capacity Assessment (LCA) of Doncaster undertaken in 2006/7 identifies and describes eight landscape character types in Doncaster. The Parish falls predominately within the Bawtry to Finningley Sandland Heaths and Farmlands Landscape Character Area (LCA), the key characteristics of which include:

• Medium to large scale intensive arable farmland with rectangular fields. • Fragmented and missing hedges characteristically lined with bracken. • Large scale coniferous forestry plantations and smaller scattered mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands. • Long distance views to lower ground, many wooded skylines, other enclosed views due to landform and woodlands. • Historic farmed estates and parkland, such as Rossington Hall. • Evidence of deep coal mining, with views to the remaining collieries and spoil heaps. The landscape has changed greatly over the years, as a result of farming and mining. Major roads such as the M18 and the opening of Robin Hood international airport outside of but adjacent to the LCA have had an impact on tranquillity. However, despite these intrusions, the landscape value of the area is considered to be good.

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A good example of the attractive countryside that can be found in the Parish

The green spaces within and surrounding the settlements are greatly valued by the community and make a significant contribution to the distinctive and attractive character and sense of place. The community wish to see the green spaces protected and where possible enhanced, for their recreational and environmental value.

9.1 GREEN BELT

Over half of the Parish is designated as draft Green Belt (see Figure 2) . It covers much of the open countryside, including large swathes of land, especially to its south and west.

The fundamental aim of the Green Belt is to prevent urban sprawl by protecting the open character of land designated as such. Within the Green Belt, there are additional planning controls over the type of development, which can take place within it

National Planning policy is clear in its support for the Green Belt, emphasising its essential characteristics of openness and permanence. It also states that inappropriate development (such as the construction of new buildings), which is harmful to the role and function of the Green Belt, should not be approved except in very special circumstances.

National rules governing the preparation of neighbourhood plans mean that it cannot have a detailed policy on the Green Belt. Only a Local Plan can set the detailed Green Belt boundaries and associated policies. These will be contained in the Doncaster Local Plan once adopted.

The Plan, however, can reflect and articulate the strong community support for the continued role and function of the Green Belt in the local area.

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POLICY R10: GREEN BELT

The Plan supports the continued designation of the majority of the Parish as Green Belt. Within the Green Belt, there will be a strong presumption against development that would conflict with the purposes of the Green Belt or adversely affect its open character.

9.2 LOCAL GREEN SPACES

There are also numerous other green spaces in the Parish not within the Green Belt, but which are highly valued by the local community.

Indeed, one of the key characteristics of Rossington is the number of green spaces such as parks, woodlands, recreation areas, allotments, grassed areas and children’s playgrounds that can be found within the main built-up areas. A good example is the New Rossington colliery village, designed to incorporate large and well laid out areas of formal and informal green spaces. These are of great importance to its character and identity. They are valued for a wide range of reasons, including visual amenity, recreational value, tranquillity and supporting the richness of wildlife that can be found locally. Their protection and enhancement are top priorities for the Plan.

Some of these sites are protected through existing Doncaster planning policies. These policies protect the following open spaces with those parts of the Parish that are not already protected by Green Belt policies.

These sites already have existing protections, which the Plan does not seek to replicate. However, through the preparation of the Plan, other important local green spaces have been identified, which the community wishes to see given equal protection.

National planning policy enables a Neighbourhood Plan to give special protection to a small number of green spaces of local significance by their designation as a Local Green Space. Where land is designated as a Local Green Space, it is protected from development other than in very special circumstances.

To be designated as Local Green Space, however, it must meet specified criteria as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework. These include:

• where the green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; • where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example, because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and • where the green space concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

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After careful consideration, twenty green spaces have been identified that are considered to have the greatest local importance and meet the criteria for designation.

POLICY R11: Local Green Spaces

Development proposals that would result in the loss of or have an adverse effect on an identified Local Green Space (as shown on Figure 3 and identified below) will not be permitted unless it is consistent with the function of the Local Green Space.

1. Green space off Seaton Gardens. 2. Green space on the corner of Seaton Gardens. 3. Green space between Seaton Gardens and Portland Road. 4. Green spaces off Radburn Road. 5. Green space off Radburn Road, Ragusa Drive and Wildflower Close. 6. Green space off Radburn Road 2. 7. Green space off Radburn Road and Troutbeck Way. 8. Park off Coronach Way. 9. Green space off Memoir Grove and Radburn Road. 10. Green space off Boswell Close. 11. Green space along Grange Lane. 12. Green space off Gattison Lane at its junction with Station Road. 13. Green spaces at the bend of Sheep Bridge Lane and immediately in front of St Michael’s Church. 14. Green space off Lansbury Avenue and Morrison Drive. 15. Green space off Bircotes Walk. 16. Green space off Brodsworth Way. 17. Green space off Chestnut Avenue. 18. Green space off Hadrians Close. 19. The Circle. 20. Land adjacent to Rossington Memorial Hall, McConnell Way.

More details about the proposed local green spaces are contained in a supporting evidence report which can be found on Rossington Town Council website at http://www.rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk/.

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Figure 2 Green Belt

Figure 3: Proposed Local Green Spaces

9.3 TREES AND HEDGEROWS

Rossington has a rich variety of trees and hedgerows. These add greatly to its character and landscape as well as providing a valuable habitat for wildlife and wildflowers.

This includes woodlands, notably in the north and south of the Parish as well as individual trees groupings or specimens, which are to be found across it. These woodlands are national Priority Habitats (Deciduous Woodland) and include two large areas of Ancient and Semi- Natural Woodland. The National Planning Policy Framework (2018, para 174) states that plans should “promote the conservation, restoration and enhancement of priority habitats.’ Further, that ‘development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused, unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists.” (para 175).

Also important are mature hedgerows (many species rich). These often form boundaries to arable fields, and along roads and footpaths. Notable hedgerows/trees in the Parish include:

1. Both sides of Sheepbridge lane (Parrots corner to the Rossington sign). 2. Rossington Carr (adjacent to Cantley footpath no.8 and on the Great Yorkshire Way land). 3. Adjacent to Rossington footpaths nos. 3 and 4. 4. Adjacent to Atterby playing field (adjacent to the cycleway/greenway). 5. Carr Doles (Hesley westwards towards the river Torne). 6. Between Torne valley farm entrance and the Sheep bridge (Sheep Bridge Lane). 7. Between (footpath) f/p 7 (approx.) and the Go Outdoors store, Littleworth Lane. 8. Adjacent to and between Pit Hill Farm, Littleworth Land and the junction of the Great North Road. 9. Along the Great North Road (east and west sides) between Parrots Corner and the parish boundary at the junction of Bawtry Forest. 10. Along the north and south side of Hayfield Lane and connecting field hedges, from the junction of Parrots corner to the parish boundary. 11. South side of Common Lane and connecting field hedgerows east/south of field and opposite Hunster Grange, Stripe Road. 12. Along field side boundary from Whinney Lane plantation going north to Access Lane near Gypsy plantation and connecting hedges. 13. From track access gate f/p. 7 heading west along field boundary to (central) plantation, Mount Pleasant. 38

The intensification and changes in farming practices in the area have seen a dramatic loss of hedgerows and lines of trees in Rossington, creating more open views and loss of character. The community would like to see the remaining hedgerows preserved and improved and new hedgerows developed. This is important not only for their environmental value, providing valuable nesting and foraging opportunities for a range of wildlife, but also as a key feature of the landscape character. In some areas, larger scale tree and scrub planting may serve to buffer noise and pollution from major roads. New tree planting in well-chosen locations can stabilise slopes and reduce the impacts of flooding.

Many of the individual important specimens are protected, including through Tree Preservation Orders, but some important trees and hedges are not specifically protected. The Plan seeks to protect where possible all trees and hedges of amenity and biodiversity value and support their planning and management.

Retaining areas of natural or semi-natural vegetation around core habitats such as native woodland can help to protect the habitat and wildlife that it supports from the detrimental effects of habitat loss or disturbance. Buffer zones can provide protection for trees and woodlands from a number of risks. An appropriate buffer zone of semi-natural habitat should be established between any significant development and an area of woodland with amenity or biodiversity value. In accordance with Natural England’s standing advice, a minimum buffer of 15 metres will normally be required between ancient woodland and veteran trees and any development boundary. The appropriate buffer will depend on the local circumstances.

The Plan supports opportunities to improve connectivity of existing habitats and enhance local character through the planting of trees and hedgerows in the landscaping of new development of a similar scale and pattern to the existing tree cover in the LCA.

The Doncaster Landscape Character and Capacity Study included guidelines for the planting of trees and hedgerows. Where relevant, development proposals will be required to demonstrate have addressed the guidelines in terms of the planting of trees and hedgerows and in particular:

• Use locally appropriate, native species as identified in existing planning guidance documents and the Local Biodiversity Action Plan should be prioritised in specifications for planting. • Buffer planting should include a range of trees, shrubs and ground cover species, designed to reflect native species combinations and planting densities. Mixes should also vary according to the adjacent habitats. • Woodland management plans should be developed for woodland buffer zone planting to ensure that the appropriate felling of nurse trees takes place to allow long-term survival of taller tree species.

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• Hedgerow planting mixes should include native species hedgerow shrubs and small trees which will provide a locally appropriate mix that is relatively quick growing, low maintenance and provides attractive wildlife habitat. POLICY R12: TREES AND HEDGEROWS

1. Trees and hedgerows of good arboricultural, biodiversity and amenity value should be protected from loss or damage as a result of development.

2. Development proposals should provide adequate protection zones and buffers around trees and hedgerows throughout the development process to prevent damage to root systems and taking account of future growth.

3. An appropriate buffer zone, where applicable of semi-natural habitat, should be established between any development and an area of woodland. A minimum buffer of 15 metres will normally be required between the development and ancient woodland or veteran trees.

4. Where the loss of non-protected trees, woodland or hedgerows is proposed as part of development proposals, appropriate replacement or compensation will be required.

5. Landscaping schemes, in connection with new development, are encouraged to place an emphasis on the use of local native planting.

9.4 BIODIVERSITY

The Parish is noted for, and to an extent defined by, the large swathes of open countryside that surround the main built-up area.

This countryside and other green areas are rich in biodiversity. They contain significant areas of species rich woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands and watercourses.

Some of the wide and diverse range of species to be found in Rossington include flowers such as common dog violet violet, primrose and ladys smock, as well as rare and declining birds and animals such as the hedgehog, bats, curlew, house sparrow, and starling.

While there are no sites that have been identified as of national interest, many parts of it have been identified by Doncaster MBC as of biodiversity importance as reflected in their designation as Local Wildlife Sites. These Local Wildlife Sites are:

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

Gelster Lane Holt. Gelster Lane Wood. Rossington Brick Park Wood (East). Pond. West End Wood. Holmes Carr Great Gravel Hill Sixteen Acre Wood and Holmes Plantation, Lake and Plantation and Nine Carr Little Wood. Gypsy Plantation. Acre Plantation. Whinney Lane Rossington Hall Rossington Hall White Mire Wood. Plantation. Brickponds and Grounds. Plantations.

Cemetery pathways. The Duck Pond. Proposed Country Park.

Two further sites have been identified by Doncaster MBC as ‘Candidate Wildlife Sites’. These are sites that have been identified as of some wildlife interest and are being actively considered by Doncaster MBC for designation as formal Local Wildlife Sites. • West End Pasture • Parkland Plantations

As part of the development of the Plan, a small number of other sites have been identified that are of biodiversity value of sufficient importance to warrant their consideration as Local Wildlife Sites. The sites have been identified because they incorporate locally important habitat and wildlife and are an important stepping stone for wildlife, forming a key component of the ecological network. These are listed in the table below.

Asset Location Biodiversity value Rossington Carr Between the River Torne Wetland. and Mother Drain. Parish boundary hedge. Sheepbridge Lane – amenity B6463 entrance to the Hedgerow wildlife corridor. village. Millennium Oaks. Wildflowers - snowdrops Carr Doles – ancient Between the railway and Hedgerow wildlife corridor boundary Yorks/ Notts Greenway/Cycleway north in open arable farmland. of the village. Park Wood East Between the railway and Woodland – deciduous, Yew. Greenway/Cycleway north Wildflowers – daffodil, of the village. bluebell, wood anenome. Park Wood west Between Welfare Grounds Woodland – deciduous, Yew. and River Torne. Hayfield Green Woods Off Hayfield Lane. Woodland and flora.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

River Torne banks – West and north of the Water, wildlife and flora. significant part of parish village. boundary Sloping Grass land between Adjacent to Sheepbridge Unimproved grassland. River Torne and Roman Fort lane at Parrots corner. Area between River Torne, Between River Torne, Wildflower - rich pasture mother drain and new Farrs mother drain and new Farrs and grassland. Road Road. Wildlife – ground nesting birds. Wetland. Quadrants of woodland and Stripe road railway bridge. Wildlife refuge. grass land New planting of trees Either side of Greenway/ Developing corpses – fruit Cycleway Rossington trees (apple, pear, damson, footpath no. 15. quince). Other deciduous. Egg Lane and hedges Wadworth Carr between Hedgerow. Carr Lane and Wellingley. Wildlife corridor. Small woodland adjacent to B6463 Stripe Road at Hesley. Wildlife refuge. Hesley cottages Wildflowers – snowdrop, bluebell. Grassland west of Stripe Between Hesley cottages Originally was Hunster Road B6463 and Hunster Grange Farm. wood. Set aside mowed 1/year. Consultation shows that the ecology and biodiversity of the Parish are highly valued by the community (and its wildlife and wildflowers), which wishes to see it protected and, where possible, enhanced.

In discussions with Doncaster MBC, it was considered that the local planning process was the appropriate tool by which to strategically consider the designation of all potential wildlife sites. However, it is important that the Plan highlight these assets and their local environmental value. Further, that given the uncertainty regarding future designation through the Local Plan, that these be identified as sites of local biodiversity value and thus a material consideration in development proposals that might affect them.

In addition to ensuring the future protection of these sites, the Parish Council has ambitions, in partnership with local environmental groups and other key stakeholders, to further enhance these sites.

The Plan supports the existing designated wildlife sites and the future designation of those sites listed in the table above.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

Holmes Carr Wood Wildlife Corridors

There are a number of landscape features which, due to their linear or continuous nature, are important for the movement of wildlife within Rossington and beyond. These wildlife corridors are identified and listed below:

Corridor Detail

1 The Great Yorkshire Way Multi-use green corridor provides the opportunity for further enhancement for wildlife. The linear corridor is a natural extension to Potteric Carr. There has been significant planting on either side of the path.

2 River Torne The watercourse is well vegetated and a valuable wildlife corridor.

POLICY R13: BIODIVERSITY

1. Development proposals which conserve, enhance and incorporate biodiversity in and around them will be supported, particularly when the biodiversity forms part of a wider network or a Local Wildlife Site.

2. Wildlife habitats and linking corridors identified will be protected. Where opportunities exist, new habitats shall be created to further enhance this network.

3. An undeveloped green buffer zone of a minimum of 8 metres between the top of the river bank and development will be maintained along the River Torne unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

10.0 THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND DESIGN

What did the consultation tell us? o Buildings of historic and architectural interest should be protected. o The design of new buildings should better reflect the needs and priorities of the community, in particular, its ageing population and the relatively high levels of disability. o The design of buildings can make an important contribution to reducing levels of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Objectives o To sustain and reinforce Rossington’s distinct identity, history and sense of community.

10.1 NATIONALLY IMPORTANT BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

There are many interesting buildings and structures to be found in the Parish. These help to provide Rossington with a distinctive identity and are valued by the local community.

There are 11 buildings within the Parish that have been identified as being of national significance and importance.

Most of these are ‘Listed Buildings’. A building is ‘Listed’ when it is of special architectural or historic interest sufficient for it to be considered of national importance and therefore worth protecting. These include a range of different architectural styles and types of buildings, including churches, houses, the former village pump and a milepost.

The richness of Rossington’s heritage is further reflected in the designation of two sites in the south of the Parish as Scheduled Monuments, both of which contain Roman remains. The Roman potteries at Rossington Bridge are listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

In addition, Rossington Hall Park and Garden and parts of the grounds of Rossington Hall are designated as a Park or Garden of Local Historic Interest. This includes the walled quadrant Village Pump – A Listed Building garden close up to the hall, the immediate ‘pleasure grounds’ with specimen planting and terraced lawns, and a little further away, the restored formal ‘Italianate’ garden as well as the

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

avenue of trees lining the access between the hall and the lodge. The hall is surrounded by landscaped parkland which despite some alteration retains many of the parkland features from the late C18th and C19th. Following a study of the parkland, Doncaster MBC proposed to extend the designation to include other areas of Rossington Hall that retains a parkland character. This proposed extension of this designation is something that the Plan supports.

The designation of these Heritage Assets as Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments gives special legal protection beyond that which can be provided through a Neighbourhood Plan. It is important, however, that the Plan highlights them, especially to ensure that all interested parties are aware of their local importance, and the need to conserve and enhance this. The full list (Historic England, 2018) is shown below:

Listed Buildings

Asset Location Grade Church of St Luke The Circle, Rossington II Church of St Michael Station Road, Rossington II* Garage Shop at Premises of Station Road, Rossington II Rossington Motor Co (Now known as the ‘Old Village Shop’) Milepost Opposite Junction with Littleworth II Lane, Bawtry Road, Rossington Rossington Bridge House and 329 Bawtry Road II Attached Wall with Railings Rossington Hall and Attached Bawtry Road, Rossington II Quadrant Wall on South East Side. Shahjamal (Also known as Station Road, Rossington II ‘Amethyst House’) The Stables, Rossington Hall Bawtry Road, Rossington II Village Pump Approximately 50 metres west of II junction with Stripe Road Scheduled Monuments

Rossington Bridge Roman Potteries 300yds (270m) NE of Rossington Bridge Rossington Roman Fort Rossington

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

POLICY R14: LISTED BUILDINGS AND SCHEDULED MONUMENTS

Development proposals that conserve and enhance the character, longevity and appreciation of a nationally designated heritage asset will be supported. Development proposals will not be supported that lead to substantial harm to the historic significance and setting of designated heritage assets unless the harm or loss is outweighed by substantial public benefits or other exceptional circumstances.

10.2 ROSSINGTON CHARACTER BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF LOCAL HERITAGE INTEREST

There are other buildings and structures that, while not of sufficient special historic or architectural interest to warrant designation as listed buildings, the community holds dear and which make a valuable contribution to the local sense of history, place and quality of life.

National and local planning policy enables a Neighbourhood Plan to offer them some level of protection by identifying them as non-designated heritage assets. Such assets are typically buildings but can be monuments and other structures, for example.

While their identification as non-designated heritage asset will not change any of the planning controls affecting alteration or demolition, many buildings have permitted development rights which allow some minor building operations and in some case demolition to be carried out without recourse to planning or other permissions. Where a planning application is needed, then its identification as a non-designated heritage asset will be a “material consideration,” i.e. the assets local heritage significance will be taken into account when making a decision on the development proposals.

Through consultation and analysis, 14 buildings and structures have been identified as especially important to the character and history of the Parish; the Plan seeks to help their conservation and appreciation through their identification as Rossington Character Buildings and Structures. Information regarding their heritage value is provided in accompanying supporting evidence report which can be found on Rossington Town Council website at http://www.rossingtonparishcouncil.org.uk/.

1. Hunster Grange. 2. The Memorial Hall. 3. The Miners Welfare. 4. The colliery wheel that will be sited on the new Country Park. 5. The Cenotaph. 6. Rossington Miners Welfare Scheme including the Clock, Plaque and Colliery Wheel. 7. Coop on Kings Road including Dovecote, Central Gable and other features. 8. Fountains Cottages opposite Village Pump.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

9. The Old School House at St Michael’s Church. 10. The Back and Front Cottages on Littleworth Lane. 11. The Old Rectory on Littleworth Lane. 12. The Bunker on Stripe Road.

13. Mount Pleasant Cottages. 14. Littleworth Mews. The character and history of some of the buildings and structures identified are of such significance, notably the Cenotaph, that the Parish Council intends to formally put them forward to Historic England via Doncaster MBC for designation as a Listed Building. This in addition to their identification as a Rossington Character Buildings and

Structures of local heritage interest. National rules mean that a Neighbourhood Plan cannot designate a ‘Listing Building’, it can, however, support their Listing.

Rossington Miners Welfare Scheme clock Colliery Wheel

The Bunker Littleworth Mews

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

POLICY R15: ROSSINGTON CHARACTER BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF LOCAL HERITAGE INTEREST

The Plan identifies the buildings and structures listed below as Rossington Character Buildings and Structures of local heritage interest.

Development proposals will not be supported that harm the historic significance and setting of Rossington Character Buildings and Sites as identified in the Schedule.

1. Hunster Grange. 2. Rossington Main Colliery Wheel on land next to the Memorial Hall. 3. Rossington Miners Welfare including clock, plaque and Rossington Main Colliery Wheel. 4. The colliery wheel that will be sited on the new Country Park. 5. The Cenotaph. 6. Former Coop on Kings Road including Dovecote, Central Gable and other features. 7. Fountains Cottages opposite Village Pump. 8. The Old School House near St Michael’s Church. 9. The Back and Front Cottages on Littleworth Lane. 10. The Old Rectory on Littleworth Lane. 11. The Bunker on Stripe Road. 12. Littleworth Mews Cottages. 13. Mount Pleasant Cottages. 14. Littleworth Mews. Development proposals will be required to take into account the character, context and setting of these locally important assets including important views towards and from them. They will be required to be designed appropriately, taking account of local styles, materials and detail.

10.3 DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Developments of any scale can make a positive contribution to the local environment. Respecting and improving the quality of the built and natural environment will improve its attractiveness, distinctiveness and sense of identity. In addition, ensuring that new developments are designed around the needs of residents will help to reinforce Rossington as an attractive and sustainable place to live and help to address the many social, economic and environmental challenges the Parish faces.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

It is imperative that the success of Rossington is shared by all. The Parish has some of the most deprived neighbourhoods as well as some less deprived. It is imperative that all members of the community have access to good housing (especially affordable and social), jobs, skills, training and education, public transport, health and community facilities. The scale of development proposed for Rossington provides a significant opportunity to do this.

The Plan encourages developers to design new development so that it reflects and reinforces Rossington’s distinct sense of history, character and identity, supports sustainable communities and helps address the many social, economic and environmental challenges the Parish faces. There is concern that if this does not happen, developments will look away from, rather than towards Rossington, creating insular and socially isolated developments that do not meet the needs of the Parish.

The community is especially concerned about the potential impact that the development may have on local services and infrastructure. It is imperative that new development provide suitable infrastructure and services to cater to both immediate and future needs, including roads, schools, social and community facilities. Consultation findings have highlighted the need for adequate arrangements to be put in place for the future maintenance of this infrastructure where appropriate, as this has been an issue in the past.

There is a desire to see that the design of new development more closely reflects the needs and characteristics of the local community, especially its growing older population and relatively high levels of disability.

Concerns about levels of crime and anti-social behaviour and its impact on the urban environment and quality of life featured very strongly in the community consultation. Levels of crime in the Parish are relatively high, with some areas far more affected than others. While actions aimed at addressing crime and anti-social behaviour are largely beyond the remit of a planning document, good quality design can make an important contribution here. Public and private spaces that are overlooked tend to feel and are safer than those that lack surveillance, for example.

To ensure development meets the identified needs and aspiration of the community and maintain a strong sense of place, proposals will be assessed against the criteria in Policy R16 as well as other relevant policies in the Plan. Developers will be asked to demonstrate through their Design and Access Statements, where required, how they have taken this into account.

This Policy seeks to ensure that all new development is designed so that it physically and visually integrates into the Parish and responds positively to its needs, character, history and identity, place and in a manner that benefits everyone as far as possible. In addition, that includes suitable infrastructure, services and facilities to address its needs and any new impact it may have on the wider community.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

It also provides further detail to accompany existing and emerging borough-wide (i.e. Doncaster) planning policy.

POLICY R16: DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Subject to assessment of viability, development proposals should make a positive contribution to their surroundings in terms of the following, they should: a) respect and enhance local character, having regard to scale, siting, layout, density, massing, height, landscape, appearance, material, details and access; b) have no significant adverse impact on residential amenity for existing and future occupiers of the development or in the surrounding area; c) provide for attractive, safe, secure and accessible buildings and spaces that “design out crime and anti-social behaviour”; and are easy to get around for all, particularly for older people and those with disabilities; d) integrate physically and functionally into the Parish; e) consider how they can enhance the role of Rossington Village Centre as the main shopping and service centre in the Parish; f) include suitable infrastructure to address its needs and any impact it may have on the area; g) consider its impact on local services and facilities, especially health, policing and schools, and include appropriate measures to address any resulting needs; h) provide for adequate measures for the future maintenance of open spaces and other public spaces and facilities; and i) include measures to deter and restrict vehicular traffic especially heavy good vehicles from travelling through Rossington village as a cut through route, where appropriate. Developers are encouraged to engage with the Parish Council prior to the preparation of any planning application to confirm these principles where appropriate.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

11.0 GETTING AROUND AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

What did the consultation tell us? • There is concern regarding the potential impact that the planned new developments will have on road safety and congestion. • There are parts of the Parish that experience serious road safety issues that need to be addressed.

• The network of footpaths and to a lesser extent cycleways and bridleways could be enhanced. Objectives o To ensure that development is integrated into and enhances the Parish and includes suitable infrastructure. o To ensure a safe and pleasant environment for pedestrians, cyclists and traffic on roads.

Rossington is well located for access to the national road network. It has relatively easy access to the M18, M1 and A1(M); convenience to which has been greatly enhanced by the development of the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) project known as Great Yorkshire Way, which will provide a direct link between Rossington village and Junction 3 of the M18.

There are regular bus services that connect Rossington to the other surrounding settlements. This includes a frequent (more than half hourly) bus service to Doncaster Town Centre during the day and in the evening.

While there are no mainline or branch railway stations (the East Coast Main Line does pass through the Parish), the major train station of Doncaster is less than six miles away by road. The Doncaster IPort in the west of Parish includes a proposal for a major railway interchange, though this facility will not include passenger services.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is less than four miles away.

Traffic management and congestion have been identified as a significant concern in the development of the Plan. Rossington’s road network was not designed for high volumes of traffic and, as such, congestion and parking issues are growing problems on some of the roads around and within Rossington. There is concern that the planned significant housing, economic and other (including the planned international golf facility) development will further exacerbate these issues.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

11.1 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

While Rossington is strategically well located to the main road network, its internal road network is less developed. The road and street pattern in the Parish has developed over many centuries, and many parts (especially the older residential areas) and not suited to modern traffic.

Much of the older parts of Rossington were designed with A good example of a congested local road limited off road car parking provision. As a consequence, on-street parking is a serious issue, posing a risk to cyclists and walkers, or pedestrians simply wish to cross the road. It is particularly a challenge for children and the above average proportion of people in Rossington with mobility issues. This is exacerbated by traffic travelling, often at high speeds, through residential areas

There are also issues with the layout of many of the estates. The circular and wide nature of the roads in the Old Village, for example, does not act as a natural deterrent to car drivers travelling at speed.

While it is recognised that improvements are planned, such as between Rossington village and the M18, there is concern that this may not keep pace with its planned growth. There is the potential for a massive increase in traffic, especially heavy good vehicles, such as DHL, to pass through the village linked to the Doncaster IPort, for example. That this, unless properly managed, will exacerbate existing series transport and highways issues was a major theme in the development of the Plan.

Whilst the formulation of transport policy at a local level is primarily a matter for Doncaster MBC as the highway authority, the Plan does support and encourage actions that can be taken to address parking and road safety in areas where road safety issues have been identified as a significant concern, such as in relation to the Doncaster IPort and other known traffic ‘hot spots’.

Through the Plan’s development, several areas were identified where road safety issues have been highlighted as having a serious and negative impact on quality of life, and which action is required to remedy.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

POLICY R17: TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

The Parish Council will actively seek to work with Doncaster MBC and other bodies to encourage opportunities to improve highway and pedestrian safety along roads within the Parish, particularly where road safety issues have been identified locally as a priority, including:

a) The triangle formed by Nelson Road/Queens Mary Road/Norman Crescent. b) Vehicles turning onto Stripe Road from the Brodsworth Estate. c) Littleworth Lane going onto Bawtry Road (including the potential introduction of traffic lights). d) Queen Marys Road and Grange Lane (including the potential introduction of a roundabout). e) Measures to deter and restrict heavy good vehicles from the Doncaster IPort travelling through the Rossington village, including as part of a planning condition or similar. These could include the provision of a direct link road from Rossington West roundabout into Bankwood Lane Industrial Estate. f) Holmescarr Road.

11.2 FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS

The Parish is threaded by a good network of footpaths, and to a lesser extent, cycleways.

These are important for getting around as well as for health and the environment. Encouraging people to walk or use or bicycle for journeys and leisure purposes can bring significant benefits not only in terms of reducing congestion on local roads but also cutting carbon emissions, creating healthier and more integrated communities and connecting the residents of Rossington to the new housing and employment-related development opportunities.

Cycling and walking have some potential in the Parish. It is relatively compact and flat, for example. The consultation shows that these footpaths and bridleways are highly prized and cherished by residents, who wish to see them protected and enhanced.

They consider that cycling and walking should be encouraged by the provision of more cycleways and footpaths. This includes cycle parks (presently there are not any in the Parish), including appropriate signage to their locations.

Priority should be given to improvements to the existing network of footpaths and cycleways, including additional provisional, that link the main residential areas with local schools and facilities as well as the planned major developments in the Parish. This will help to bring the

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

community together and foster community spirit and identity as well as other benefits such as improved health. There is scope to improve the existing network. For example, pedestrian access to the Country Park to the west of the Parish is restricted by the absence of a dedicated walking or cycling route to it through housing at Holmes Carr Road and Attlee Avenue, meaning that pedestrian access to the park can only be gained by travelling to the south-west or north-west of the village.

There may be scope to develop a circular footpath as part of any improvements that circumnavigates the Parish. These could be partly funded by developer contributions relating to new housing and employment development sites.

POLICY R18: FOOTPATHS AND CYCLEWAYS

The Parish Council will actively work with Doncaster MBC and other relevant agencies to encourage opportunities to enhance and expand the present network of walking and cycling routes to ensure the community is and feels able to, travel safely to services and amenities within the Parish and surrounding areas.

Priority should be given to those that create or improve links between the main existing residential areas and (a) the Doncaster IPort; (b) local schools and community services, including Rossington Village Centre; (c) the Country Park and (d) to the countryside. The development of a circular footpath that circumnavigates the Parish will also be actively supported as well as the restoration of the Rossington to Loversall footpath.

When submitting development proposals for new housing, employment, retail, community or leisure use, or for any other development that would raise sustainable transport issues, applicants are required to demonstrate safe walking and cycle routes in the immediate area of the site and the priority locations identified above.

12.0 DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

Development can bring significant benefits to the local community, including new homes and jobs. It can also have negative impacts, for example, where additional demand is placed on facilities and services which are already at or near capacity. Planning obligations (also known as Section 106 agreements) may be used to secure infrastructure or funding from a developer. For example, a planning obligation might be used to secure a financial contribution towards improving existing recreational facilities or affordable housing. However, there are strict regulations governing in what circumstances planning obligations can be sought and how it can be spent. They can only be sought where they are necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms; directly related to the development; and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development, for example. In addition, no more than 5 obligations can be pooled towards an infrastructure type or project. Furthermore, care also needs to be taken to ensure that any developer contributions sought are reasonable and do not make the scheme unviable.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019

A new system is also being introduced to be used alongside the use of planning obligations. This is known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and it will require developers to make a payment to the Borough Council based on the size and type of development that is proposed. The proceeds of the levy will then be used to provide the infrastructure necessary to support growth across the Borough. A proportion of these CIL receipts will automatically be devolved to the relevant Town or Parish Council for allocation to neighbourhood priorities. This proportion is set at 25% in areas where there is a Neighbourhood Plan. At this time, Doncaster MBC is still considering whether to introduce CIL with Section 106 agreements.

Through the preparation of the Plan, the Parish Council in conjunction with the community and other stakeholders has identified a small number of priority projects they wish to secure funding for (either in whole or in part) through the use of planning obligations.

POLICY R19: DEVELOPER CONTRIBUTIONS

The Parish Council will seek to prioritise the use of financial contributions, whether from Section 106 agreements, Community Infrastructure Levy or other negotiated obligations, for improvements to, and enhancement, of the identified projects:

• Improvements to the Village Centre. • Enhanced open space, sport and recreation facilities. • The provision of affordable housing. • Measures aimed at improving highway and pedestrian safety.

13.0 MONITORING AND REVIEW

It is anticipated that the Neighbourhood Plan will last up to 2032. During this time, the circumstances which the Plan seeks to address may change.

The Neighbourhood Plan will be monitored by the Parish Council in conjunction with Doncaster MBC on at least an annual basis. The policies and measures contained in the Plan will form the core of the monitoring activity, but other data collected and reported at the parish level relevant to the delivery of the Neighbourhood Plan will also be included.

The Parish Council proposes to formally review the Neighbourhood Plan on a five-year cycle

or to coincide with the review of Doncaster Local Plan, if this cycle is different.

Rossington Neighbourhood Plan – Regulation 14 Draft Plan - January 2019