“Now they have the chance to make amends and work constructively on the scheme. I just hope they have the sense to take it”

A councillor has criticised two Sheffield firms for “years of defiance” over refusing to build a riverside path.

Councillor Barbara Masters criticised managers at STEPS Rehabilitation and Gladman Retirement Living for defying a 2014 planning condition requiring them to build a route behind their premises on Troutbeck Road, Millhouses.

Coun Barbara Masters at the start of the riverside path behind STEPS Rehabilitation and Gladman Retirement Living's Jacob's Gate site on Troutbeck Road, Millhouses. | BM

placeholder image — Coun Barbara Masters at the start of the riverside path behind STEPS Rehabilitation and Gladman Retirement Living's Jacob's Gate site on Troutbeck Road, Millhouses. | BM

She said they hired a London barrister and planning consultant to mount an appeal before having “the nerve” to try to claim the money from the council on the grounds it had been unreasonable.

The “significant” legal costs, and their late offer of £100,000 towards the cost of a path elsewhere, could have gone towards the build, she added.

She also said “years of defiance” of the planning system, and implying the retirement home and STEPS facility could close if they lost the appeal, “reflects very badly” on those who pursued the strategy.

Campaigners celebrate after winning the battle for a riverside path on Troutbeck Road, Millhouses. | IM

Last month, the Planning Inspectorate ruled the walkway must be built following a three-day public inquiry.

Those who gave evidence included Coun Masters, council planners, the Sheaf and Porter Rivers Trust, retirement living residents and Millhouses, Ecclesall and Carterknowle Community Association.

Campaigners say it will form a key part of the River Sheaf Trail, from the city centre to Millhouses Park.

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The site includes STEPS rehabilitation centre and Gladman’s Jacob’s Gate retirement complex. | IM

But Coun Masters said elation following the win had turned into frustration.

She said: “The elation all of us who gave evidence at the public inquiry has turned to frustration because STEPS and Gladman won’t divulge what it now plans to do.”

And she urged them to get started.

“Now they have the chance to make amends and work constructively with the council on the scheme. I just hope they have the sense to take it.”

The companies have 18 months to comply, the Planning Inspectorate has ruled.

Neither provided a comment to The Star.