Harry Harrison

A review commissioned by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard recommends new legislation allowing public authorities to temporarily halt the closure or sale of major privately owned infrastructure and potentially purchase it through a simplified compulsory purchase process. Prompted by the 2022 closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, the report argues that losing critical assets can damage local economies and communities. It also calls for a national regional aviation strategy to help local authorities support vulnerable regional airports. Doncaster Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are pursuing the airport’s reopening with public funding, while its former operator, Peel Group, said the site was no longer economically viable.

Doncaster Council has approved plans for Willie McKay’s 37-acre Doncaster City Elite Training Centre near Bawtry, after rejecting the scheme in February over concerns about green belt development. The proposed facility will include five full-size pitches, a five-star hotel, padel courts, a 499-seat show pitch and specialist training areas for professional clubs. Local objections were withdrawn after McKay bought neighbouring properties, while Doncaster’s chamber of commerce, local MP Lee Pitcher and several football clubs supported the project as a potential boost to the local economy.

The EPIC youth hub in Doncaster’s Frenchgate Shopping Centre plans to expand into a second venue after serving 2,410 young people and recording more than 8,300 attendances in the year to March. Staff say the hub’s 14% increase in engagement reflects growing demand for safe spaces and opportunities, while a council young people’s panel and councillor Bob Anderson welcomed the expansion. The hub is also offering summer trips and activities, and proposed free bus travel for under-18s across South Yorkshire could further increase access. EPIC operates as part of Doncaster’s wider youth provision in partnership with the council, South Yorkshire Police and the shopping centre.

Doncaster Council approved excavation work at Nearcliff Quarry in Conisbrough, projecting up to 40 daily HGV movements for eight years to remove over a million tonnes of limestone. Residents raised concerns about road safety on the A630, anti-social behaviour and site security, while applicant Chris Ballam argued the excavation would reduce misuse of the area. Plans include continuous security with CCTV and on-site personnel.