Oak Holdings submits amended plan for Yes! project

Oak Holdings has submitted a revised planning application for its £300m Yes! development in South Yorkshire with greater emphasis on sports and leisure.

The project also received a boost last month when Sheffield Council removed its objection to the scheme.

Steve Lewis, chief executive of Oak Holdings, said: “The scheme has evolved following extensive consultation. The increased interest particularly in the sporting and daytime leisure aspects of the YES! project, compliments the urban renaissance programme throughout South Yorkshire, and means the project is destined to become a comprehensive world-class destination.

“We are delighted that Sheffield has given the project its full support, reflecting the importance of the scheme to the entire South Yorkshire region.

Support for the project from many quarters means that we now look forward to securing an early consent. Yes! will not only greatly improve the tourism offer in dynamic South Yorkshire, but will also create 2,700 sustainable jobs.”

Adam Wilkinson, at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, added: "Rotherham Council welcomes the revised proposal with a greater emphasis on sport and leisure. Rother Valley Country Park offers a unique facility of Regional and National significance to show-case state-of-the-art developments ranging from extreme sporting facilities through to world leading interactive technologies.”

“The scheme will enhance the South Yorkshire tourism drive, and indeed that of the North of England. Additionally it will provide significant economic benefit to this region. We are extremely pleased that Yorkshire Forward (the regional development agency) and Sheffield City Council now fully support the proposals."

The Yes! development will include operators such as Venture Xtreme and Baydrive, which will open a golf driving range.