Proposals for 200 Homes in Skellow Approved in Principle by Planning Committee: A Full Breakdown of the Project

Finding the right place to call home can be a proper challenge, and for many communities, the question of where new houses should go is a big one. But for the village of Skellow in South Yorkshire, a bit of that puzzle just clicked into place. Plans for a brand-new neighbourhood of 200 homes have been given the nod by the local planning committee, promising not just houses, but a space designed for modern living, complete with parks, accessible homes, and a focus on nature.

So, what's the plan for Skellow?

On Tuesday 10th February, the City of Doncaster Council’s planning committee met to discuss the future of a 20-acre patch of land on the north-western edge of the village. The proposals, put forward by housebuilder Bellway Strategic Land, outlined a vision for a new community. After considering the details, the committee approved the plans in principle. This means it's a massive step forward for the project, which is set to bring 200 new homes to the area.

The development, which will be accessible from Crabgate Lane, isn't just about building as many houses as possible. The plan shows a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom properties. This variety is key, as it means the new neighbourhood could be a good fit for everyone from first-time buyers to growing families. It's a significant project for Skellow, aiming to blend new homes with the existing village character.

A home for everyone?

One of the standout features of this plan is its focus on making sure different people's needs are met. Out of the 200 properties, 40 will be designated as affordable homes. These are homes offered at a lower price or for more affordable rent, helping people who might otherwise be priced out of the area. But the developers have gone even further. The plans specifically include two-bedroom bungalows and maisonettes, which are often in short supply but are perfect for older residents looking to downsize or for those who need single-storey living.

Accessibility seems to be a big theme here. A huge chunk of the houses—130 of them, to be exact—are designed to be more adaptable for people's changing needs over their lifetimes. Think of things like wider doorways or walls strong enough to have grab rails fitted later. On top of that, eight of the bungalows and two ground-floor maisonettes are being built to a standard suitable for full-time wheelchair users. It’s a thoughtful touch that shows the community is being designed for inclusivity from the ground up.

It's not just about the houses

A new housing development is more than just bricks and mortar; it’s about creating a place where people actually want to live. The Skellow plans seem to have taken this on board. Right in the middle of the new site, there will be a large public open space. Picture a new park, complete with play equipment for the kids, benches for a catch-up with neighbours, and loads of green space. To make it even greener, the plans include planting more than 200 new trees.

The commitment to nature doesn’t stop there. The landscaping will also feature wildflower meadows and wetland planting. This isn't just to make the place look pretty; it's a brilliant way to boost biodiversity, creating a haven for bees, butterflies, and other local wildlife. Even the entrance is being designed to be attractive, with large grassy areas and trees surrounding what's called an attenuation basin—which is basically a fancy pond that helps manage rainwater and prevent flooding, while also creating a nice feature for the community. The homes themselves are also forward-thinking, designed to be energy-efficient with electric vehicle charging points for every property.

The official word from Bellway

Mark Jones, who is the Head of Planning for Bellway’s Yorkshire division, shared his thoughts on the project, which was officially announced on Thursday 12th February 2026. He explained how the team worked hard to get the plans right for the local area.

“This 20-acre site is part of a larger housing allocation that will help the local authority to meet the need for new private and affordable homes in the area,” he said. “We have worked closely with local planning officers to ensure that our proposals reflect local requirements, in particular the delivery of two-bedroom bungalows to address the demand for this specific type of housing. A total of 130 houses have been designed to the M4(2) standard to be more accessible and adaptable to suit people through their lifetimes, while the eight bungalows and two ground-floor maisonettes will meet the M4(3) standard for wheelchair users.”

He continued, “These will be energy-efficient homes designed to greatly reduce CO2 emissions, with each home also benefitting from an electric vehicle charging point. Our landscape approach includes large grassed areas and trees set around a new attenuation basin which will create an attractive entrance to the development, while the areas of public open space will feature more than 200 trees, wildflower meadow and wetland planting to promote biodiversity. There will also be a large play area in the centre of the site, with a range of natural wooden play equipment, providing outdoor space for children and families to enjoy. Our proposed scheme will be delivered in line with our ‘Better with Bellway’ commitment to building homes that make a positive impact on society as a whole, our local communities and the planet. We are now looking forward to finalising the Section 106 agreement to enable planning permission to be issued.”

What this means for the local area

When you build 200 new homes, it's natural to wonder about the impact on local services. This is where something called a "Section 106 agreement" comes in. It’s basically a deal between the developer and the council to make sure money is invested back into the community. For this project, Bellway is set to contribute more than £180,000 to improve local infrastructure.

So where will that money go?

• £50,000 will go towards environmental projects along the nearby River Skell.

• £63,461 is earmarked for upgrading two bus stops on Crabgate Lane and supporting local bus services.

• There will also be improvements made to the busy A1/B1220 junction.

These contributions are designed to help the local area cope with its growing population and ensure that the new development is a positive addition. What’s more, plans for another 160 homes on a neighbouring site were also approved in principle, and the developers have been working together to make sure everything from roads to open spaces connects seamlessly. It’s a coordinated effort to build not just houses, but a thriving and well-connected community in Doncaster.