Controversial plans for 139 houses on green fields on the edge of Penistone are to go ahead. The Persimmon plans for Hartcliff Road have been approved by Barnsley planners, despite more than 160 public objections, protests from Penistone Town Council, several past and present councillors and concerns from local MP Angela Smith.

Before work can start, the builders must sign up to a legal commitment to pay for extra education facilities, playground, and highways improvements. They must also pay for more affordable housing in the area, despite including 28 low-cost properties in their plans.

Planners had earlier asked for changes to the layout to increase the space between new homes and houses in St John’s Close. The developers have agreed to this but turned down calls for access to the site via Clarel Street.

The only access, both during building and afterwards, will be via Chapel Lane and Hartcliff Road, with traffic lights proposed for the tight bend.