Strata Sterling JV hails ‘game-changer’ decision
Barnsley West, which could see 1,500 homes and 1.2m sq ft of employment space developed, has been given the go-ahead by the local authority.
Sir Bob Murray, founder and chairman of Leeds-based Sterling Capitol, developing in partnership with South Yorkshire residential powerhouse Strata Homes, said the decision at committee in late June would be a “defining moment”.
The professional team includes Bond Bryan, The Harris Partnership, Spawforths, Pegasus, JPG, RPP, Gillespies and Wardell Armstrong, along with Rex Proctor, Fore Consulting, JPG, Tetra Tech and Hydrock.
Known as the MU1 allocation in the Local Plan, the 300-acre site sits off Higham Common Road and close to Junction 37 of the M1.
Other aspects of the project include a strategic link road, a new primary school for up to 420 children, shops and community facilities. The main access points via roundabouts have already been constructed at both the northern and southern ends of the site, shortening the timescale to delivery of units.
Barnsley’s committee considered a pair of hybrid allocations, the first involving full consent for 216 homes, and outline permission for yup to 1,344 homes, the school and other works. commissioned by Strata.
The commercial element involved full consent for earthworks to create development platforms, and outline permission for the buildings themselves.
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Sir Bob Murray said: “The decision to give the go-ahead to Barnsley West is welcome news. In the challenging economic times, this development will provide much-needed jobs and investment and will be a massive game changer for the town and the surrounding area. It’s a defining moment – the key to future prosperity.
“On a personal note, this means so much to me. I have a real affinity for the site, which lies on top of an open-cast coal mine. My father was a miner, and I built the Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, on top of Monkwearmouth Colliery. It’s so important to breathe new life into sites which such illustrious histories.
“At Sterling, we have worked so hard on this development for over 10 years. We know Barnsley well, having always believed in its potential and having a distinguished track record there.”
The firm is also responsible for the 36-acre Capitol Park Barnsley, also close to Junction 37, which now provides employment for 650 people with a final phase inked in to provide 500 more.
He continued: “Now that planning permission has been granted, we are completely focussed on delivering a transformational flagship employment site which will drive the town and the borough’s renaissance. But this is about more than development—it’s about long-term investment, opportunity, and confidence in Barnsley.
“Barnsley West represents a major step forward in helping secure the area’s economic future, and we’re proud to be at the heart of it.”
While Strata will focus on building the homes and the school, Sterling Capitol will concentrate on creating employment space.
Paul Beckett, chief executive of Sterling Capitol, added: “I would like to emphasise that maintaining strong ties with the community is essential as we look to the future.
“We are committed to ensuring Barnsley West grows with the community and not apart from it. We are proud to be part of that community, delivering a flagship scheme for the region that everyone can be proud of.”
All documents relating to the scheme can be viewed on Barnsley Council’s planning portal with the reference 2021/1090 (residential) and 2021/1089 (commercial).
