The Doncaster Council meeting scheduled for 27 November 2025 included discussion of borrowing approval for the South Yorkshire Airport City project, the adoption of a revised licensing policy, and a review of councillor code of conduct breaches. Councillors were also scheduled to discuss committee seat allocations and the appointment of members to the Independent Remuneration Panel¹.

South Yorkshire Airport City - Borrowing Approval

The council was asked to consider approving additional borrowing of up to £57 million for the South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) programme. The SYAC Report - Full Council Nov 27 Final version stated that this programme aims to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and develop a hub for economic activity, including logistics, employment, retail, leisure and housing.

The report noted that the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) had agreed to award an additional £160 million for the project, subject to certain conditions. The report stated that the profile of funding from SYMCA would be insufficient to cover all upfront costs, necessitating borrowing by the council. The report stated that the SYMCA funding would cover the associated financing costs, including total estimated interest payments of £39.4 million until 2049.

The report also stated that scenarios had been undertaken to assess variables to operational and capital expenditure during the early period, and that these would need to be regularly evaluated.

Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 - Licensing Act 2003

The council was asked to approve and adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 under the Licensing Act 2003, following its five-yearly review. The policy sets out how the council, as the licensing authority, will make decisions on licensing applications for:

• the sale of alcohol
• regulated entertainment
• late night refreshment

The Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 – Licensing Act 2003 also addresses the four licensing objectives outlined in the act: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Appendix A - consultation responses document summarised the three responses received during the consultation period, including suggestions from the Planning Department regarding clarity on planning permission requirements, and support for the revised policy from the Doncaster Safeguarding Children Partnership². Bawtry Town Council supported the revised policy, but suggested amendments to the cumulative impact area in place for Bawtry.

The Appendix B - revised policy with tracked changes showed the changes made to the current version of the policy, and Appendix C - summary of changes summarised the amendments.

Findings Regarding Councillor Mark Broadhurst

The council was asked to note the findings of the Audit Hearings Sub-Committee regarding complaints against Councillor Mark Broadhurst of Hatfield Town Council and City of Doncaster Council. The Council 271125 report - Findings of Hearings Sub Ctte 240925 - FINAL stated that the sub-committee determined that Councillor Broadhurst had breached the council's member code of conduct due to social media postings.

The Appendix A - Notice of finding 240925 detailed the sub-committee's findings, stating that Councillor Broadhurst failed to treat members of the public with respect, failed to promote equalities, brought his role as a councillor into disrepute, and failed to cooperate with the code of conduct investigation. The sub-committee's recommended sanctions included censuring Councillor Broadhurst, publishing the findings on the council's website, reporting the findings to Hatfield Town Council, and recommending that Councillor Broadhurst not be appointed to any council committee positions or outside bodies for the remainder of his current electoral term.

6 Month Review of Proportionality and Allocation of Seats on Committees

The council was asked to consider a 6 Month Review of Allocation of Seats 271125 - FINAL report on the proportional allocation of seats on committees and sub-committees, following changes to the political composition of the authority. Councillors Mark Broadhurst, Dave Knight and Christopher Marriott, formerly Reform UK members, had become independent members.

The report outlined the revised political composition of the council and the resulting adjustments needed to ensure proportionality in committee representation. The recommendations included removing seats from the Conservative, Labour and Reform UK groups, and allocating the remaining seats to the eligible independent members.

Appointment of Independent Remuneration Panel Members

The council was asked to consider delegating authority to the Service Director Legal and Democratic Services to make future appointments to the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP). The Appointment Of Independent Remuneration Panel Members - FINAL report stated that this delegation would enable the council to effectively discharge its functions in relation to the Members Allowance Scheme. The report noted that the IRP provides independent recommendations on the levels of allowances and expenses for councillors and co-opted members.

Opposition to Whitestone Solar Project and Call for Scaled-Back Proposals

Councillor Rachel Reed and Councillor Alex Jones put forward a motion expressing opposition to the Whitestone Solar Farm, and calling for scaled-back proposals. The motion noted significant local concern regarding the project's impact on rights of way, construction traffic, agricultural land, and the landscape. The motion also raised concerns about flood risk and the nature of consultation.

The motion stated that the council believes that renewable energy should be delivered in a way that protects food security, rural heritage, biodiversity, and flood resilience, and that industrial-scale solar development on agricultural land is inconsistent with national planning policy and local priorities.

The motion resolved to express the council's view that the current Whitestone proposal does not have its support, and to call on the developer to withdraw the current proposal and significantly scale back any future proposals. The motion also resolved to lobby government for policy measures that prioritise rooftop, brownfield, and degraded land for solar deployment.

Questions by Elected Members

The agenda included questions from elected members to the executive. These included:

• Councillor Maria Hollingworth asked about rerouting of bus services in Carcroft.
• Councillor Chris Kidger asked about achieving pay parity for City of Doncaster Council employees.
• Councillor Lee Sammut asked for details on potential projects to be funded by Pride in Place Funding in Rossington.
• Councillor Alex Jones asked about the use of new powers to tackle fly-tipping.
• Councillor Oliver Bloor asked about offering free parking over the Christmas period.
• Councillor Howard Rimmer asked about steps to address illegal parking in the City Centre East.
• Councillor Bob Anderson asked what more can be done to tackle illegal activities relating to vapes and counterfeit cigarettes.
• Councillor Jane Kidd asked for reassurance that Wheatley will get its new Youth Hub.
• Councillor Majid Khan asked for an update on the Doncaster Market Enhancement Strategy.

Update on Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS) for Elected Members

The council was scheduled to receive an update on Disclosure and Barring Checks (DBS) for elected members. The Council 271125 Update on DBS checks elected members FINAL report provided information on the number of elected members who had voluntarily obtained a basic level DBS check.

Minutes of Joint Authorities

The council was scheduled to note the minutes of the following joint authorities:

• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board held on 9 September 2025
• South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority held on 15 September and 20 October 2025
• South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel held on 15 September 2025
• Team Doncaster Executive held on 10 June 2025. The minutes of the Team Doncaster Executive held on 10th June 2025 (02a. Public Record June 25 - Approved 1) included discussions on sub regional updates, partnership updates, and a partnership review for 2025-26.