Traffic-free plans for proposed development

Residents have seen first hand how plans to create a high quality residential and employment site between Rotherham and Sheffield could help inspire a traffic-free transport network for the future.

Orgreave residents were given a tour of the proposed Waverley community development by Richard Pett, rights of way officer at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, who provided information on how cyclists, walkers and horse riders are set to benefit from almost 25 kilometres of new and restored mixed-use pathways in and around the proposed 741 acre development.

The proposals, which would link linking neighbouring communities, towns and cities, aim to encourage cycling as a transport option for the future with easy access to places of work in Rotherham and Sheffield and to surrounding leisure spots including Rother Valley Country Park and Meadowhall shopping centre.

Rother Valley Country Park lies at the hub of access to the south of Rotherham, with the National Cycle Network, Cuckoo Way, Rotherham Ring Route and the Trans Pennine Trail all linked.

A multi-user bridge over the Parkway would mean further access options for residents who opt for such modes of transport as well as a two-kilometre lakeside Easy Going Trail specifically designed to provide good access for people with disabilities.

Richard said: During the site visit we showed the residents around the proposed walkways and I talked them through the list of ambitions that the council has for cycling, disabled access, bridleway, riverside trail, disabled access and family walking.

We also discussed the anticipated Parkway Bridge and the Trans Pennine link into Sheffield. All these are subject to planning permission, but we received positive feedback from the proposals.

Property and energy company UK COAL wants to redevelop the site at Waverley over the next 25 years, into a sustainable mixed use community, including approximately 4,000 houses, community facilities and green areas.

Planning permission for the new community will be submitted later this summer.

John Dunshea, head of the Sheffield office at planning consultants Atisreal, said: The location of Waverley means it is ideally placed for access to Sheffield, Rotherham, the surrounding areas and the countryside.

Creating a variety of avenues for people to get from A to B as well as providing options for multiple needs is one of the key principles of developing a sustainable community and something we feel strongly about successfully achieving.

Keeping fit and healthy is high on the public agenda and cycling or walking to and from work is becoming more and more popular in the region.

So by creating a network of pathways that complement existing routes such as the Trans Pennine Trail, residents on the outskirts of Rotherham and Sheffield will have a great option to cycle to work.

Site developers UK COAL, in conjunction with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, will produce a Doorstep Walk and Ride Map to give residents and members of surrounding communities a preview of the plans.