Pollution Fears over new apartments plan

People living near Harborough Hill Road say 42 new apartments off Meadow Street would double the number of homes in the area and create dangerously high levels of pollution.

Last month a survey showed the zone at the bottom of Harborough Hill had unacceptable levels of fumes due to heavy traffic and its valley location.

Barnsley Council is deciding whether to create an Air Quality Management Zone - which would force it to take action to cut pollution.

Karen Sharland, aged 38, of Redfearn Street, said the council would be neglecting its duty of care if it allowed the development.

Neighbour Sue Herbert, 58, of Redfearn Street, added: "We've had enough. We're not upset any more, we're angry."

Residents also claim the development would cause traffic problems, destroy open space and cause parking problems - plans show just 23 spaces for 42 flats.

Coun Mike Stokes has requested more information about the impact the flats would have on traffic flow and parking. He said: "It does seem an over-development in an already overcrowded area. It brings with it a lot of problems that need to be looked at."

The site is now used as a depot for the distribution of electrical and plumbing equipment. Bosses at AMCO want to move to an industrial site.

Peter Thompson, the agent acting for the firm, said he believed the development would not cause difficulties for locals.

He added: "As far as we are concerned it's a residential area. We would have thought they would have preferred to see residential apartments rather than commercial use."

The application was for outline permission because AMCO wanted approval for a change of use, he said.

Ruth Middleton, Barnsley Council's assistant planning director, said: "Any concerns from residents need to be put in writing to the planning service and then they can be taken into consideration."