"The city of Sheffield owes Pete a great deal" - planning committee pays tribute to late former chairman

Peter Rippon served the city for almost 20 years, representing both Shiregreen and Richmond wards as a Labour councillor.

During that time he also took on roles as the chairman of the planning committee and as Lord Mayor.

He was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and died December 20.

During Tuesday’s committee meeting, his colleagues remembered him with tributes, a minute’s silence and by listening to the Buddy Holly song Peggy Sue, which they said was very special to him.

Current chairman Coun Jayne Dunn said: “To hear some of the notes and messages I had from planning officers just shows the amount of respect Peter over his years as planning chair actually brought to us.

“I’m finding this really difficult, it doesn’t seem right that he isn’t coming back.

“The city of Sheffield owes Pete a great deal. Wherever you are, Pete right now he will be there screaming affordable housing from the heavens, I know he will.

“So beware anyone that tries not to do that because I think every time we hear that we will remember Pete. I think as planning chair that will be a massive accolade.

“As I said in full council, Pete always, always cared about everyone else.

“And I say, fly high, Pete with Sue (his wife) and I know you will be looking over us.”

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