The Planning Committee of Doncaster Council met on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, to consider a schedule of planning applications. The meeting was scheduled to discuss several applications for changes of use, including a proposal for a learning institution and place of worship, and applications for children's care homes. Additionally, the committee was set to review a corporate report concerning the Marr Solar Farm and appeal decisions made by the Planning Inspectorate.

Change of Use Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider a change of use application for Belvedere House at 113 Thorne Road, Wheatley, Doncaster. The proposal involved changing the use of the existing office building into a learning institution and place of worship, falling under Use Class F. This application was reported to the committee due to the significant number of representations received, with 69 in total, comprising 25 objections and 44 in support. The report indicated that the principle of the change of use was acceptable, but concerns were raised regarding over-intensification of use and associated parking issues, which could negatively impact the character of the Thorne Road Conservation Area. Environmental Health also noted potential noise increases and recommended conditions for soundproofing and hours of operation. Highways Development Control raised significant concerns about parking provision, stating that the site lacked sufficient on-site parking to accommodate the proposed use satisfactorily, leading to unsafe vehicle movements onto a key classified road. The recommendation was to refuse planning permission due to unacceptable impacts on highway safety and residential amenity.

Two applications for the change of use of dwelling houses to children's residential homes were also scheduled for discussion. The first, at 15 Hartland Crescent, Edenthorpe, proposed a change from Use Class C3 to C2 for a children's residential home for a maximum of two children aged 7-18. The report highlighted that the internal living space and private garden were sufficient, and the noise and activity associated with the proposal were considered acceptable, with amenity impacts on neighbours not demonstrably different from a residential dwelling. Highways Development Control raised no concerns regarding vehicle movements or parking. Security measures recommended by the Police were to be secured by condition. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

The second children's care home application, at 27 Almond Road, Cantley, proposed a change of use from Use Class C3 to C2 for a home for a maximum of two children aged 8-17. Similar to the previous application, the internal living space and garden were deemed sufficient, and amenity impacts were considered acceptable. The Police noted that the location did not suffer from high levels of anti-social behaviour, though vehicle crime was higher than average. Security measures recommended by the Police were to be secured by condition. Highways Development Control raised no objections, noting sufficient on-street parking availability. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

A fourth change of use application was scheduled for Silverwood, Mercury College, Tickhill Square, Denaby Main. This proposal sought to change the use from a residential institution (Use Class C2) to Respite Services (Sui Generis Use Class) for up to two young adults at any one time. The report indicated that the internal living space was sufficient and there would be no harm to amenity from noise or outlook. The site already benefited from a security system, and parking provision was considered adequate. Environmental Health raised no objections. The recommendation was to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

Corporate Report: Marr Solar Farm

The committee was scheduled to consider a corporate report regarding planning application 23/02634/FULM for the installation of a ground-mounted photovoltaic farm with associated infrastructure at land south of Barnsley Road, Marr. The report sought formal endorsement from the committee on the Council's case to be advanced at appeal, specifically concerning the Ground of Refusal related to the Green Belt. A recent High Court ruling, Wrotham Parish Council v Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government & Ors [2026] EWHC 165 (Admin), had clarified the interpretation of 'grey belt' policy within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). As a result of this ruling, the application site was now considered 'grey belt' land, meaning the development could not be considered inappropriate development in the Green Belt, and the need to find 'very special circumstances' was removed. The report recommended withdrawing the Green Belt ground of refusal and proceeding with the remaining grounds of refusal related to landscape and visual impact, and the loss of agricultural land, subject to amendments.

Appeal Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to be informed of appeal decisions received from the Planning Inspectorate. The report listed five appeal decisions:

• Appeal Dismissed for the erection of a self-build dwelling at Caravan, Fleet Lane, Stainforth.
• Appeal Allowed for a change of use from a C3 dwelling house to a C2 care home at 67 Church Road, Stainforth.
• Appeal Dismissed for the display of 11 new advertising signs at Space Station Self Storage Limited, Doncaster Road, Kirk Sandall.
• Appeal Allowed for the change of use of an agricultural building to one dwellinghouse at Bank End Farm, Bank End Road, Blaxton.
• Appeal Dismissed for the erection of a two-storey front extension at 4 Dunstan Walk, Thorne.

The report stated that these decisions demonstrated the ability of applicants to appeal against Local Planning Authority decisions and how these appeals were assessed by the Planning Inspectorate. The recommendation was to note the report and the appeal decisions.