New flats and shops planned for Sheffield 'community garden' revealed

The planning application for the green space in Crookes has been published three weeks after workers turned up out of the blue and boarded off the land before beginning to cut down trees.

Protesters gathered and police were called over the work, which was halted after a councillor intervened over concerns that nesting birds were being uprooted.

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More than 600 people have signed a petition opposing development of the land at the corner of Cobden View Road and Northfield Road, which campaigners claim has been used by the community for more than 60 years and is a wildlife haven maintained by volunteers.

The plans, submitted by JR Planning Consultants on behalf of Mike Yafai, are for 18 flats above three commercial units in a single block rising to between three and four storeys.

The planning application says it would provide ‘much-needed’ housing and contribute ‘positively to the vibrancy and vitality’ of the neighbourhood.

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“The site is currently not in any beneficial use and has a somewhat cluttered appearance as it houses three large advertising hoardings,” it adds.

John Vose, who lives opposite the site, said: “My initial reaction is that I’m absolutely appalled and I know the rest of my neighbours are as well.

“This was a lovely community garden and it's just been taken away without any notice. The strength of feeling here is extraordinary and one woman who is 89 and has lived here all her life was in tears about what’s happening.”

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To view the plans, visit Sheffield Council’s planning portal and search for 20/01651/FUL.