Sheffield MP opposes homes planned for wildlife haven, saying developers 'have not listened to the local community'

Avant Homes has applied to build 74 homes at Owlthorpe Fields in Mosborough – in a development campaigners fear could pave the way for up to 500 new homes at the site – prompting 260 objections to Sheffield Council.

Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East, has now submitted his own objection, claiming the developer has failed to address environmental concerns and the need for affordable housing.

War of words breaks out over plans to build 500 homes on Sheffield wildlife haven

“For many months now I have been seeking a compromise that would allow affordable housing to be built in the area whilst also being built in a sustainable way with the least possible impact on the local environment," he said.

“Regrettably Avant Homes have not listened to the local community in any meaningful way to address both the concerns around the environmental impact of the new development but also failed to guarantee a substantial and integrated provision of affordable social housing.

“Under the current plans they have simply segregated the social housing in one particular area of the development which does not meet council policy, and more broadly the areas need for affordable housing.

Plans for 101 homes in leafy Sheffield suburb

“With both these concerns I do not believe the Owlthorpe housing development by Avant Homes will benefit my constituents, nor help improve the local area.”

The land off Moorthorpe Way was put up for sale by the council, which said it had been earmarked for development since the 1980s.

But opponents argue that infrastructure promised at the time – including a planned loop road to ease congestion – has not been delivered and the green space is home to a variety of wildlife, including bats and rare birds.

Mr Betts said he supported some housing development there in principle but felt the application had ‘a number of significant defects’ which is why he was joining groups including the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust in objecting.

A spokeswoman for Avant Homes said discussions with the council about the planning application were ongoing, so it was not appropriate for us to comment further at this time.