Barnsley West Masterplan secures planning resolution for borough's largest mixed-use development

A landscape led masterplan for Barnsley West, set to become the borough’s largest mixed-use development, has secured a resolution to grant planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

The milestone unlocks a major new settlement that will deliver 1,560 homes, 43 hectares of employment land, a new primary school, and extensive public open space. A connected network of active travel routes will link neighbourhoods, workplaces and amenities, supporting sustainable mobility and creating a cohesive, walkable community.

Commissioned by Strata Homes and Sterling Capitol PLC, landscape architecture and environmental planning practice Gillespies is delivering landscape and LVIA services for the development. The masterplan places green infrastructure at the heart of the design vision, integrating high quality public spaces, play areas and amenity landscapes that serve both new residents and the wider Barnsley community.

Exceeding the local planning requirement of 15 percent public open space set out in the New Housing Developments SPD, the masterplan proposes over 31 percent, which equates to more than 36 hectares of usable green space and ecological habitats. This expansive green and blue infrastructure network forms a ‘healthscape’ that supports wellbeing, active lifestyles and biodiversity, setting a new benchmark for nature led placemaking in South Yorkshire.

The project is being brought forward by a multidisciplinary team including Gillespies, Pegasus Group, Spawforths, Bond Bryan, The Harris Partnership, Wardell Armstrong LLP (part of SLR), Queensberry, JPG Group and Fore Consulting.