More than 200 objections to housing plan on treasured Sheffield site

Last July, councillors overwhelmingly rejected plans for 85 houses on Hollin Busk fields at the junction with Carr Road and Hollin Busk Lane, Deepcar.

More than 520 residents, local groups, councillors and Miriam Cates MP had objected.

Developer Hallam Land Management appealed and an eight-day planning inquiry will now start on June 22.

Campaigners say the tremendous level of response reflects the high level of feeling from people in Stocksbridge, Deepcar and Bolsterstone.

Stocksbridge Labour councillors have joined together with Conservative MP Miriam Cates and Friends of Hollin Busk, Stocksbridge Town Council, Bolsterstone Community Group and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England to oppose the application.Dr Peter Morgan, chairman of Friends of Hollin Busk, said: "We have been opposing this development now for over four years. The community does not want houses built on this protected open space that is appreciated for its green aspect and tremendous views across the valley.

"A previous attempt to build on these fields was refused on appeal by the Secretary of State in 1990.

"Friends of Hollin Busk will be making strong presentations to the planning inspector at the inquiry to convince him that the current appeal should also be refused so the approach to this site is consistent."

Julie Grocutt, Stocksbridge Town councillor and Deputy Leader of Sheffield City Council added: "There were originally 524 objections to the planning committee and permission was refused by 12 votes to 1. The proposal does not meet with the council policy of brownfield regeneration first."

And Miriam Cates, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, called the development "indefensible"

"Sheffield seems to be delivering on housing land supply targets, and the council has a policy of developing brownfield sites first.

"This site is an important part of the rural fringe around Stocksbridge, Deepcar and Bolsterstone and this development threatens a well-used local natural resource."

It will be the third planning inquiry in recent months, following Owlthorpe Fields and Hepworth's at Loxley.