Harry Harrison

Residents in Rossington are opposing a proposed 130-home estate by Albemarle Homes on fields beside ancient woodland near Littleworth Lane and Sheep Bridge Lane. Campaigners say the area has ecological and historic importance, including rare plants, endangered species and links to a Roman fortress. Ecological consultant Matt Shardlow helped secure Natural England recognition of the woodland, requiring further surveys and assessments before any planning application. Campaigners also fear wider development after land records showed local businessman Lloyd Nicholson had acquired additional nearby fields. Albemarle Homes did not respond to requests for comment.

A poor harvest caused by prolonged dry and hot conditions is already affecting farmers’ feed supplies and cash flow, with consequences expected to extend into the next growing season. Doncaster farming and nature recovery champion William Shaw said crop losses could limit farmers’ ability to buy fertiliser and other resources. He also highlighted the importance of insects and pollinators to flowering plants, birds and small mammals, linking their decline to habitat loss, disease and climate change. Shaw said Doncaster’s decision to revoke its 2019 climate emergency declaration would not alter the council’s statutory climate obligations, but argued that neither the declaration nor its removal had achieved much.

Confusing road-closure signage near Stainforth led customers to believe that Wheels Cafe and the adjoining Old George Inn Pub in Sykehouse were inaccessible, despite a route remaining open. Cafe owner Rosie Nagaty said the pub lost £4,000 during a regular Bike Night and called for the City of Doncaster Council to consult local businesses before implementing disruptive schemes. The council said the Moss Lane closure was necessary for resurfacing and that the lengthy diversion was the only safe route for all traffic, while acknowledging the impact on local communities. Reform UK councillors said poor communication had caused significant losses for businesses in the area.

Doncaster Council has approved a £7.387 million contract with Raytheon Systems Ltd for primary and secondary surveillance radars needed to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The radar procurement had been temporarily suspended while the council reconsidered financing for the wider programme, including a £57 million loan, but that borrowing decision was reaffirmed in May. The council says global pressures and increased demand for radar technology have affected delivery estimates while maintaining that the reopening remains on schedule. Reform UK disputes any suggestion that its scrutiny caused the delay and says it continues to support reopening the airport.

The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is reportedly progressing, with construction and an airspace-change consultation continuing. However, a crucial lease renegotiation between Doncaster Council and landowner Peel Group remains unresolved. More than £160 million in public funding is planned, but significant South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority funding depends on the lease deal, and councillors have warned that the project could run out of money in September 2026. The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to decide on the airport’s airspace arrangements in May 2027, without which full operations cannot resume.

Doncaster Council has approved a 37-acre elite football training centre near Bawtry on Yorkshire greenbelt land at its second planning hearing. The revised proposal includes Martin Grange Cottage and Ravenglade Cottage after applicant Willie McKay agreed to purchase the homes of two nearby objectors, who subsequently withdrew their objections and supported the scheme. The centre will operate year-round and include five full-size pitches, specialist training areas, a 499-seat covered stand, hotel accommodation, hospitality facilities, a padel court and extensive parking. Supporters, including the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, local MP Lee Pitcher and several international football clubs, highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, while the original application had been rejected over greenbelt concerns and its impact on residents’ quality of life.