Anger over plans to build 85 houses in Sheffield countryside

A planning inspector will make the final ruling on whether a housing estate can be built on green fields in Sheffield.
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Last July councillors overwhelmingly refused to allow 85 houses to be built on Hollin Busk fields at the junction with Carr Road and Hollin Busk Lane, Deepcar.

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But developer Hallam Land Management has appealed and a planning inquiry will be held.

Countryside.Countryside.
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More than 520 residents had objected along with Friends of Hollin Busk, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Stocksbridge Community Forum, Bolsterstone Community Group, Deepcar and Stocksbridge Walking Group, Upper Don Action Group, Stocksbridge Town Council, Miriam Cates MP and Coun Julie Grocutt.

They said significant new housing was already being built at Fox Valley and in Oughtibridge and this open countryside should be left as green space between the built-up areas of Deepcar and Stocksbridge.

Residents said the site is a scenic rural green field and the homes would cause traffic and parking problems.

Peter Morgan, chairman of Friends of Hollin Busk, said: “The development was rightly turned down last year, but the space continues to be threatened due to the applicant’s appeal to the Secretary of State to overturn the decision made by the local planning authority.

Peter Morgan, chairman of Friends of Hollin Busk.Peter Morgan, chairman of Friends of Hollin Busk.
Peter Morgan, chairman of Friends of Hollin Busk.
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“Friends of Hollin Busk strongly believe that the planning inspectorate must uphold the decision and safeguard this treasured local space.

“We would encourage everyone who has concerns about the development of this key local site to make their views known to the planning inspector.”

The committee debated the application for two and a half hours and voted 12-1 against it.

The board was united in its criticism, particularly as the council had refused housing there before.

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In 1990, outline planning permission was rejected because it would damage ecology, particularly nearby Fox Glen which is an Area of Natural History Interest and Local Wildlife Site. An appeal against this refusal was dismissed in August 1991.

Developers came back with fresh plans in 2017 which were due before councillors in 2019 before being pulled at the last minute. This latest application was submitted in January 2020.

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