MORE than 3,000 jobs are set to be brought to the town after councillors approved plans for a mammoth employment site to be built in Goldthorpe.

An application was submitted by Newlands Developments in 2023, who want to build four venues on a 211-acre site off Barnsley Road, Goldthorpe.

Identified as ‘ES10’ in the council’s local plan development blueprint, the application suggests the largest warehouse would also neighbour RSPB Old Moor.

It’s believed the units will range from 32,000sqm to 78,000sqm and in total the development is expected to deliver circa 197,000sqm of floorspace.

The application was discussed at the planning board by councillors on Tuesday and, after being recommended for approval by planning bosses, was given the green light.

Edward Pigott, associate planning director at Newlands Developments, told the Chronicle that the scheme will be beneficial for the whole town.

He added: “Guided by the principles of the Goldthorpe Masterplan Framework, this project is designed to bring significant benefits to the local community.

“Key commitments include sustainable transport options such as EV charging and cycle parking, alongside a c.£400,000 investment to enhance local bus services.

“A further c.£650,0000 will support upgrades to Hickleton and facilitate the Bypass project, with c. £900,000 allocated to improve bus stops and footpaths.

“The development prioritises environmental sustainability, delivering a minimum ten per cent biodiversity net gain, new wildlife habitats, and a 50-80m ecological corridor along Carr Dike.

“Over 650 trees and 6,500m of new hedgerow will be planted, supporting species such as willow tits and marsh harriers, with an additional c.£20,000 dedicated to skylark conservation.

“Commitments to renewable energy include PV panels, a BREEAM Excellent rating, and an ‘A’ rated EPC target, alongside energy-efficient design features such as recyclable cladding and maximised rooflights for natural daylight.

“Employment and skills plans will also be embedded throughout construction and operation, ensuring long-term economic benefits for the community.”

Planning bosses say that despite concern from residents, the jobs the scheme will create are not ‘low-skilled’.

A report said: “During the construction period, temporary jobs will be created across all construction disciplines.

“It is anticipated that circa 1,349 full time equivalent jobs will be created during the construction of the development.

“Whilst construction work is considered to be temporary, given the scale of the development and the estimated construction period, this will provide a moderate benefit to the local economy and employment within the area.

“However, the most significant benefit of the development is in relation to the substantial job creation associated with operational phase of the site.

“Subject to the development being occupied by B2 (manufacturing), B8 (storage and distribution) uses as a 30 and 70 per cent split, the development would create circa 3,282 full time equivalent jobs.

“This is expected to generate a total employment generation and economic output of approximately £210m per annum within Barnsley.”