‘Absolutely furious’ - Sheffield residents react to controversial green belt developments
Sheffield is facing its biggest loss of green belt land as part of new developments to build more houses
Sheffield faces wholesale changes in the months and years ahead due to development plans which look set to consume as many as 14 green belt sites throughout the city.
Put another way, 809 acres of the city’s precious green lungs are expected to be lost to make way for 3,529 houses and 130 acres of business parks - as well as three schools and two graveyards.
The controversial proposals are in the Local Plan, a blueprint for development in Sheffield up to 2039. Sheffield City Council officials say they want to use brownfield - previously used - land first, with areas such as Handsworth and Grenoside among those most affected.
The plans have been the subject of great debate from both politicians and residents alike, particularly when baring in mind that Sheffield currently holds the status of being the UK’s greenest city - as well as the second greenest throughout the entirety of Europe.
With all that in mind, we decided to ask our readers to share if they were worried about the impending project and to share what emotions they are feeling.
Steve Froggatt kicked off the discussion by commenting: “Worried? Absolutely furious.”
Josie Amber added: “It shouldn't be happening. Use brown belt or re-use areas of buildings that are empty.”
Stephen Shaw agreed. He commented: “There's plenty of brown belt land that should be used don't destroy the countryside.”
Cheryl Hague expressed her concerns, adding: “It's completely unfair and anyone who isn’t worried should be as it will give them the right to destroy much more going forward. Also how can destroying proper quality farmland that feeds us be considered sustainable and ecological development?”
Jack Dunn voiced his support for the idea amid the current housing crisis. He said: “Having somewhere warm and safe to live is a basic need not a privilege.”
Josephine Hetley said: “No, the only thing that worries me is the volume of traffic that we are going to endure on Foxhill road, Penistone road, and surrounding areas. “
However, most in the comments section continued to express their concerns.
“I'm not worried. I'm livid,” commented Lee Swords.
A view shared by Simon Tongue, who added: “It has angered me.”
Debra Coleman said: “Yes the plan is a disaster waiting to happen and the council are ignoring all the valid reasons it shouldn’t happen.”
Natalie Richardson agreed. She added: “Incredibly worried and sadly a lot of people do not realise the impact this is going to have both short and long term.”
Sarah Bayliss added: “Yes absolutely - once the developments go ahead there is no going back - it’s absolute madness for our community infrastructure. The loss of our green space is quite devastating for generations to come.”