Objectors go on attack as huge scheme put back before council

Oak Holdings was first given planning permission for the 327-acre YES! Project in early 2007.

Plans for the development include an "extreme sports complex" with climbing wall, three hotels, a conference centre, a shopping mall, a "brewery experience", a range of restaurants and an outdoor golf driving range.

The centre would also include the first Sony "multimedia experience" in the country, which is described as a "multi-themed attraction which focuses on media products."

In addition, new public transport facilities would be built, including a railway station.

Amendments have been made to the original scheme, however, and the developer is now asking for an extension to the time limit for the implementation of its outline planning permission.

Oak Holdings says it will be submitting detailed planning applications in different phases. At this point, although the first phase of development is clear, the precise content of the whole scheme hasn't been finalised.

The developer is therefore asking for five years to submit its "phased delivery programme", up from the current permission for three years.

Rotherham Council's planning officers, in the report set to go before today's meeting, say: "The nature of the YES! project has, in the context of recent economic conditions, had to review the delivery of the various elements within it.

"It would enable that delivery to come forward in a more structured way if more time could be given for the submission of reserved matters in phases."

Countryside campaigners are set to speak at today's meeting, asking councillors to put a stop to the whole scheme as they object to part of the development being on Rother Valley Country Park.

The South Yorkshire branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said the YES! Project was "outrageous and over the top" and said Rotherham Council should rethink its support.

John King, the CPRE planning officer, said: "We can see how things like a chocolate experience and brewing experience sound like exciting tourist attractions.

"But it is completely over the top to build such a massive development on precious, restored green belt land."

Oak Holdings signed a lease agreement with Rotherham Council in May last year to take over the running of Rother Valley Country Park.

Steve Lewis, chief executive of Oak Holdings, said the YES! Project would be an ideal fit with the surrounding countryside making it a "green lung" in the urban environment.

He added: "The project includes the protection of a large amount of natural resources and I am sure we can assuage the issues that the CPRE have with the project."

In addition to the CPRE, seven more objectors have written to Rotherham Council

They say the development would have an adverse effect on the local landscape, would cause an increase in traffic in the area and could affect local wildlife.

Other opponents question the economic viability of the scheme and say there are sufficient leisure facilities already.

Planning officers, however, say little has changed since outline planning consent was granted in 2007, and permission should be granted once again.

The planners say: "It would be a significant addition to the local economy and enhance the role, particularly of Rotherham, in terms of employment, economic benefit and tourism."

Today's planning committee meeting begins at Rotherham Town Hall at 2pm.