This week in Doncaster:

Airport Borrowing Approved Amidst Financial Risk Warnings

Doncaster Council has approved borrowing up to £57 million for the South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) programme, including the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). You can read the full details of the meeting here. This decision comes with warnings that costs exceeding available funding could jeopardise the project.

Ring-Fenced Costs

The council has stated that all costs associated with the airport will be ring-fenced, including estimated interest payments of £39.4 million until 2049, funded from the initial City of Doncaster Council budget and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) funding approved of £193 million.

Financial Risk

However, the report pack notes that if costs increased by 20% over the first 3 years, the total loan to that point would be £84m, plus future site committed costs until 2036 £67m, City of Doncaster Council costs £18m and estimated interest costs £53m, totalling £222m, exceeding the funding available.

Public and Member Questions

The agenda included questions from both the public and elected members on a range of topics, including support for reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Licensing Policy Updated with Safety Initiatives

The council has approved the 'Statement of Licensing Policy 2026 – Licensing Act 2003', which sets out how the council will make licensing decisions related to the sale or supply of alcohol, regulated entertainment, and late-night refreshment. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Ask for Angela and WAVE Initiatives

The revised policy includes the addition of the 'Ask for Angela' and 'WAVE' initiatives, designed to protect vulnerable individuals in licensed premises. The policy also expands on noise control measures.

Bawtry Concerns

Bawtry Town Council supported the revised policy but suggested amendments to the cumulative impact area in place for Bawtry.

Councillor Sanctioned for Social Media Posts

The council has noted the findings of the Audit Hearings Sub-Committee regarding complaints against Councillor Mark Broadhurst of Hatfield Town Council and City of Doncaster Council. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Code of Conduct Breach

The sub-committee determined that Councillor Broadhurst breached the Member Code of Conduct due to social media postings, and is recommending sanctions.

Discrimination Finding

The sub-committee found that Councillor Broadhurst failed to treat members of the public, in particular Muslim members of the public, with respect, failed to promote equalities and discriminated unlawfully against people of the Muslim faith, brought his role as a Councillor into disrepute, and failed to cooperate with the Code of Conduct investigation into the complaints made against him.

Sanctions Recommended

The sub-committee has recommended that Councillor Broadhurst not be appointed to any council committee positions or membership of any outside body roles for the remainder of his current electoral term.

Solar Farm Opposition

The council is considering a motion regarding the Whitestone Solar Farm, a proposed solar farm stretching from Conisbrough to Woodall. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Community Concerns

The motion expresses concern about the project's impact on local communities, agricultural land, flood risk, and the environment.

Scaled-Back Proposals

The motion calls for the developer to withdraw the current proposal and scale back any future proposals, and to prioritise rooftop and brownfield solar deployment.

Internal Audit Flags Concerns Over Airport Project and Council Finances

The Audit Committee received the Grant Thornton Auditor's Annual Report 2024/25, which provides a commentary on the council's arrangements for financial sustainability, governance, and improving economy, efficiency and effectiveness. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Unqualified Opinion, But Weaknesses Identified

The report states that Grant Thornton expects to issue an unqualified audit opinion on the council's financial statements for 2024/25, but identifies three significant weaknesses in the authority's arrangements, meaning they are not satisfied that the authority has made proper arrangements for securing economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources.

Significant Weaknesses

The three significant weaknesses are:

• The council's Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit
• The South Yorkshire Airport City project
• Governance around the Special Purpose Vehicle¹

Contract Breaches Down

The committee received a report on breaches and waivers to the council's Contract Procedure Rules (CPRs). The report notes that the number of approved waivers has decreased from 13 to 9, and the number of breaches has decreased from 1 to 0.

Doncaster Tackles Physical Inactivity

The Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel met to discuss ways to reduce physical inactivity in Doncaster. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

High Inactivity Rates

The report notes that 30.3% of adults in Doncaster are classed as inactive, which is higher than the England average.

Get Doncaster Moving

The report highlights the work of Get Doncaster Moving (GDM) which was initiated in 2018 as Doncaster's partnership approach to reducing physical inactivity.

Investment and Progress

The report states that Doncaster has been allocated around £23 million of investment by Sport England over the last 5 years to deliver stages of the GDM programme. It also notes that GDM partners have leveraged in an additional £110 million to support a place-based approach to reducing physical inactivity and improve the health and wellbeing of Doncaster residents.

Upcoming Meetings

• Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Thursday 04 December 2025 to discuss education achievement outcomes.
• Awards, Grants and Transport (Appeals) Committee on Friday 05 December 2025.
• Cabinet on Wednesday 10 December 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Thursday 11 December 2025.

This week in Doncaster:

Auckley Housing Development Deferred Amidst Airport Concerns

The Doncaster Council Planning Committee met on 18 November 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including two deferred outline planning applications from PEEL L&P Investments (North) Ltd for land south of Hurst Lane in Auckley. You can read the full details of the meeting here. However, a decision on these applications was deferred again.

Development Details

The applications, 25/00136/OUTA and 25/00137/OUTA, seek outline planning permission for residential developments, with all matters reserved except external vehicular highway access. Both applications have been subject to an environmental impact assessment¹.

Application 25/00136/OUTA proposes up to 1200 dwellings, co-working hubs, land for a primary school, demolition of Warren House Farm, drainage, public open space, and new footpaths and cycleways. Application 25/00137/OUTA proposes multi-tenure residential development, including affordable housing, later living, retirement accommodation, assisted living, build to rent, community buildings, and similar amenities.

Reasons for Deferral

The committee previously deferred the determination of these applications to enable officers to provide further information on:

• The impact of the proposed development in combination with the airport at a fully operational level.
• Justification for seeking a financial contribution rather than providing a new school on the site.
• Highway safety implications of the proposed new accesses and traffic generation.
• Further detail regarding the proposed affordable housing provision across the development (for application 25/00137/OUTA).

According to the report pack, the applicant has provided further written supporting information, including road accident data, and the council's education team has provided a written briefing note. The report pack states that the recommendation is to grant outline planning permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement².

Enforcement Actions Detailed in Quarterly Report

The Planning Committee also received the Planning Enforcement Quarterly Report for September 2025. The report detailed a number of ongoing enforcement cases, including alleged unauthorised developments and breaches of planning regulations across the borough.

Key Cases Highlighted

• Land adjacent to Stainforth Allotments: Alleged unauthorised preparation of a site for a travellers' caravan site. An appeal against the refusal of planning permission was dismissed, requiring the defendants to vacate the site by 15 November 2025.
• Rear of Manor Estate: Alleged unauthorised works taking place on St Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD)'s land without planning permission. The owner has complied with the requirements of the injunction.
• 7 Pony Paddocks: Alleged unauthorised change of use of part of the land to the rear, which is designated as Green Belt, into a domestic garden. A decision from the Planning Inspectorate is awaited.
• Chapel House, Moss Road, Askern: Alleged erection of a 2m high fence around the perimeter of the property. The fence at the front of the property has now been removed but the side fence is still in situ, and this is currently under consideration in terms of further action to require its removal and remediate the continued harm arising.
• Mawson Green Cottage, Mawson Green, Sykehouse: Alleged unauthorised change of use of a campsite and amenity block to a domestic garden and ancillary granny annex. The appeal was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate, and the owners have until 1 January 2026 to return the property to its previous use of an amenity block.
• Land North-West of Sandall, Clay Lane: Alleged unauthorised installation of a metal palisade fence around a piece of land on Long Sandall Lane. The appeal was dismissed, and the owners had until the 16 June 2025 to remove the fence, but this has not taken place.
• Former Whitehall Motors, Askern Road, Toll Bar: Alleged unauthorised development of a derelict site in Toll Bar. The appeals against the three Enforcement Notices were all dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate, meaning the Notices were upheld. A site visit has been undertaken and this has confirmed compliance with the Notices.
• 59 The Crescent, Woodlands: An empty property with smashed windows and doors and waste in the garden. The remedial works required by the [Section 215 Notice](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/11/section/215#:~:text=215%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2%A7%C2_A§215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 gives local authorities the power to serve a notice on the owners or occupiers of land or property that is in a poor condition, requiring them to take steps to improve its appearance.

Appeal Decision Noted

The committee noted an appeal decision relating to Bridgeworks, Broughton Avenue, Bentley, where an appeal against the refusal to grant approval for change of use from Class E to Use Class C3 residential for 12 self-contained apartments was allowed.

Borough Strategy Refresh Discussed by Scrutiny Committee

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee met on 21 November 2025 to discuss the refresh of the current Borough Strategy, Doncaster Delivering Together (DDT). No video of the meeting was provided.

DDT Refresh Aims

The DDT refresh aims to build on progress made, capitalize on recent opportunities, and react to

This week in Doncaster:

Religious Education Discussions Deferred Due to Lack of Quorum

The Doncaster Council Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) met on 13 November 2025, but due to the meeting being inquorate, decisions on key agenda items were deferred to a future meeting. You can read the details of the meeting here. This means that discussions on important matters such as the appointment of a chair and vice-chair, approval of terms of reference, and reports on RE in schools were unable to progress.

What's at Stake?

The inability to make decisions impacts the SACRE's ability to effectively support religious education in Doncaster's schools. This includes:

• Leadership: Without a chair and vice-chair, the SACRE lacks formal leadership to guide its work.
• Governance: The Terms of Reference and Constitution outline the SACRE's responsibilities and how it operates. Without approval, the SACRE may not be operating within the law and current guidance.
• School Support: Discussions on the RE Subject Leader Network and SACRE school engagement are aimed at improving RE provision in schools, including increasing GCSE uptake. Delaying these discussions could hinder efforts to support schools and students.
• Accountability: The draft annual report provides an overview of the SACRE's work and performance. Deferring its discussion delays accountability and potential improvements.

What Was Discussed?

Despite the lack of quorum, members reviewed the terms of reference, discussed ways to support religious education in schools, and considered the draft annual report. However, no decisions could be made.

Other Matters

• The Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss planning applications, appeal decisions, and a quarterly planning enforcement report. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
• The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee is scheduled to meet on Friday 21 November 2025 to discuss the Doncaster Delivering Together Borough Strategy Refresh, the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan, and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
• The Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
• The Audit Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025. You can read the full details of the meeting here.
• The Health and Adults Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

This week in Doncaster:

Airport Funding Approved Amidst Public Consultation Launch

Doncaster Council's Cabinet has given the green light to measures supporting the full reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), including accepting up to £175.622 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and recommending council borrowing of up to £57 million for the South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) programme¹. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Strategic Importance

Mayor Ros Jones introduced the report, emphasizing DSA's strategic importance and potential for economic growth, noting that the SYAC programme has political backing locally, regionally, and nationally, as well as public support demonstrated by petitions with around 130,000 signatures.

The Cabinet was advised that on 9 September 2025, the SYMCA Board considered reports that it had commissioned to ensure that the investment required to reopen DSA represented good value for money and yielded a positive Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR)². It concluded to award an additional £160m subject to a number of precedent and contractual requirements being discharged.

Public Consultation

The Mayor stated that she would shortly be launching a consultation, to gauge views on how often residents and businesses would like to use the airport, what destinations they would like to see served and asking for any interesting stories of when they used the airport previously.

Scrutiny Committee Review

The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee reviewed the report regarding South Yorkshire Airport City – Approvals required to support the full reopening of the Airport . You can read the full details of the meeting here. The cabinet was expected to consider the report on 5 November 2025. The Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee was asked to review the report and provide comments or feedback for consideration by the executive prior to any decision being taken by the council on 27 November 2025.

Mexborough Transport Improvements Get Green Light

The Cabinet has agreed to accept £10.8 million in grant funding to deliver sustainable transport improvements in Mexborough. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The funding is subject to SYMCA approving the business case. Councillor Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities, introduced the report, stating that the proposal is to implement a series of infrastructure improvements around Mexborough town centre to support the regeneration of the area.

Range of Benefits

Councillor Jones stated that delivery of these programmes will provide a range of benefits for the residents of Mexborough primarily improving road safety, providing additional accessibility to the retail core and encourage safer connectivity.

Leisure Centre Refurbishments Approved

The Cabinet agreed to award City of Doncaster Council monies and accept Sport England monies for refurbishment of leisure facilities, including Doncaster Dome, Dearne Valley Leisure Centre and Adwick Leisure Centres. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Significant Capital Investment

Councillor James Church, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Health, reported that City of Doncaster Council has over the past 5 years undertaken a programme of significant capital investment to its leisure facility stock with an investment of over £35m across several facilities.

Habitat Bank Unit Price Set

The Cabinet approved setting the fee for the sale of Biodiversity Units from Red House Farm Habitat Bank at £21,000 plus VAT per unit. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Hugely Beneficial to Public Health

Councillor Church advised that the Habitat Bank at Red House Farm, adjacent to Sandall Beat Wood, is centrally located within the main urban area of Doncaster. It is estimated that 30,000 people live within 2km of this site. Access to natural green spaces has been shown to be hugely beneficial to public health, promoting greater fitness and improved mental wellbeing.

Elections Committee Discusses Registration and Voter ID

The Elections and Democratic Structures Committee discussed registration activity and elections activity. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Registration Activity

The committee is scheduled to discuss a report on registration activity. The report covers key work being done by the Electoral Services Team regarding the Register of Electors and the annual canvass³.

Elections Activity

The Elections and Democratic Structures Committee will also be considering a report providing an update on current elections activity, upcoming changes, by-elections and neighbourhood planning referendums.

Health Board Focuses on Healthy Places

The Health and Wellbeing Board met to discuss creating healthy places, including endorsement of the principles of a draft advertising and sponsorship policy and the five-year Doncaster Food Plan. You can read the full details of the meeting here. The board was also scheduled to discuss the Pathways to Work Programme, the Local Plan, and the Future Parks Programme.

Advertising and Sponsorship Policy

The board was scheduled to consider the principles of a draft advertising and sponsorship policy. According to the report pack, the policy is intended to set principles for advertising and sponsorship opportunities for City of Doncaster Council assets, including its website, street furniture, buildings and on-street displays, newsletters and social media communication.

Doncaster Food Plan

The board was scheduled to discuss the Doncaster Food Plan 2025-2030. According to the report pack, the plan sets out a collective vision for food across the city, five-year aims and objectives to work towards this, and a plan of action for how these aims and objectives will be achieved.

Upcoming Meetings

• Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) on Thursday 13 November 2025.
• Planning Committee on Tuesday 18 November 2025.
• Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee on Friday 21 November 2025.