Doncaster Council Advances Local Plan and Housing Investment

Doncaster Council is preparing a new Local Plan to deliver 1,235 dwellings per year, an increase from the previous target of 920, with formal adoption scheduled for 2029. The change follows an updated government housing requirement and will shape where and how many homes are built across the borough in the coming years.

Investment programme and rent adjustments

The council has approved a £220m social housing investment programme. This includes the purchase of 232 private homes, £74m allocated to new-build construction and £125m directed to maintenance of existing stock. The programme is funded in part by a 7% rent increase for council properties. Separately, rents will rise by 4.8% for the 2026/27 financial year, bringing the average weekly rent to approximately £95.93. The Housing Revenue Account remains balanced with a £3.5m reserve maintained.

These adjustments directly affect the approximately 20,000 households living in council homes. Higher weekly rents will increase household outgoings for tenants while the investment is intended to improve the condition and supply of affordable units over time.

Planning decisions and new schemes

A proposal by Stonebridge Homes for 150 homes in Barnby Dun, comprising 115 market homes and 35 affordable units, has been delayed by the planning committee. Further details are required on the developer’s £605,000 contribution toward school places. In a separate development, Strata and Great Places Housing Group have exchanged contracts to build 53 new affordable social-rent homes at Lutterworth Drive.

These projects illustrate the range of sites under consideration as the council works toward the higher annual target. Residents in affected neighbourhoods may see changes to local services and infrastructure as planning conditions are finalised.

The council expects the Local Plan process and ongoing housing schemes to continue through 2029. Further planning applications and budget decisions will determine the pace at which new homes and improvements are delivered.