Proposals
Our vision for Land off Barnes Lane is to deliver a sensitively designed residential neighbourhood that responds to the character of Dronfield Woodhouse, meets identified local housing needs, and delivers lasting benefits for the community.
The scheme has been designed to work with the natural qualities of the site: retaining key landscape features, enhancing biodiversity, and creating green connections that link new residents to the wider countryside and the existing village.
Our proposals
Up to 250 high-quality new homes to meet local needs - supporting families, older residents, and those with links to the area
Up to 45% affordable homes, to help people access housing in the area
Energy-efficient homes, designed to reduce running costs for residents
A Biodiversity Net Gain with new and enhanced green infrastructure throughout the site
Retained and enhanced hedgerows, with new planting to strengthen the site's natural character
A Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) and public open space for residents and the wider community
Sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) to manage surface water and create ecological enhancements
New and improved pedestrian and cycle connections linking to Dronfield Woodhouse and existing Public Rights of Way
Masterplan
Our emerging Masterplan takes careful consideration of the landscape features of the site, including its existing field boundaries, hedgerows, and the open agricultural setting to the north and west.
The site has been thoughtfully laid out to respect the surrounding context, ensuring privacy for neighbouring properties along Longcroft Road, Smithy Croft and Green Lea, while creating a comfortable environment for new and existing residents.
Existing hedgerows along the western boundary will be retained and enhanced, forming a robust green edge that softens the transition between the new neighbourhood and the open countryside beyond. New ecologically focused habitats have been introduced into the site’s boundaries, delivering a meaningful Biodiversity Net Gain and creating new corridors for local wildlife.
At the heart of the scheme, a landscaped Public Open Space to the north and an Urban Node Green Space at the site’s southern edge create welcoming communal areas for residents. A Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP) provides dedicated outdoor space for children, while tree-lined streets bring greenery into the heart of the development. To the east, a SuDS attenuation basin has been integrated into the landscape, managing surface water sustainably while providing an additional ecological feature.
The site has been designed to form a sustainable and green extension to Dronfield Woodhouse, connecting naturally to the existing neighbourhood to the south while respecting the open countryside to the north and west.
Indicative Masterplan.
Homes for Dronfield
Our proposals will provide a balanced mix of up to 250 homes that meets local needs, supports families and older residents, and allows people with links to the area to remain in the community they call home.
Green Ways of Living
The design is landscape-led, respecting the existing character of the site and enhancing its natural features. New planting, retained hedgerows, wildflower areas and sustainable drainage features will strengthen biodiversity across the site, while new walking and cycling routes will connect residents to the surrounding countryside.
Character that Endures
Our proposals draw on the existing character of Dronfield to create a neighbourhood that feels embedded into the community. Homes will feature energy-efficient design, active frontages, and shared spaces that encourage community life.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
The site has been identified as a sustainable and suitable location for new housing to help meet local demand. It is well-connected to the existing built-up area of Dronfield Woodhouse and benefits from good access to local services, public transport, and the surrounding countryside.
The Labour Government introduced a revised National Planning Policy Framework in December 2024, which significantly increased the minimum local housing need for North East Derbyshire from 330 dwellings per annum under the existing Local Plan to 608 dwellings per annum.
The existing Local Plan was adopted in November 2021 and its strategic policies will become out of date from November 2026. The council is currently preparing a new Local Plan, and sites such as this one are needed to meet this increased housing requirement.
The site is within the North East Derbyshire Green Belt. However, it does not make a strong contribution to the purposes of the Green Belt and is considered to meet the Government’s definition of Grey Belt.
Under national planning policy, Grey Belt land is an appropriate location for development to meet identified local housing needs, subject to conditions including a higher proportion of affordable homes.
Our proposals will deliver up to 250 new homes designed to meet a range of local needs. Up to 45% will be delivered as affordable housing – such as shared ownership or First Homes. All homes will be built to high energy efficiency standards to help reduce energy bills for residents.
All homes will be designed to be energy efficient. The scheme will incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) to manage surface water responsibly, new and enhanced planting to strengthen biodiversity, and new walking and cycling connections to encourage sustainable travel. The site’s proximity to Dronfield town centre and its transport links further support sustainable modes of transport.
We will work closely with North East Derbyshire District Council to assess the impact of the development on local services, including schools, healthcare, and transport. Where necessary, financial contributions will be secured through a legal agreement to support improvements to local infrastructure and services.
Safe and suitable vehicular access to the site will be provided from Barnes Lane. A Transport Assessment will be prepared and submitted to support our proposals, ensuring that access arrangements are safe and that any necessary mitigation is put in place. New pedestrian and cycle routes will link the site to the existing footpath network and Dronfield Woodhouse, encouraging active travel and reducing car dependency.
The proposals have been designed to respect and enhance the site’s natural features. Existing hedgerows will be retained and strengthened with new planting, and new green spaces, wildflower areas and ecological corridors will be provided throughout the development to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain. Sustainable drainage features will also contribute to ecological enhancements on site.
Boningale Developments is currently preparing a planning application for Land off Barnes Lane, which will be submitted to North East Derbyshire District Council in due course. Your feedback at this stage is important and will help to shape the final proposals before the application is submitted. Once submitted, the application will be publicised by the council and there will be a further opportunity to comment as part of the formal planning process.