Councillors block controversial plans to build housing estate on green fields in Sheffield

The Sheffield Council planning board voted seven against, four in favour and two abstensions on a scheme to create a housing estate on five fields at Wood Royd Road in Deepcar.

More than 100 local residents, Stocksbridge Town Council and Stocksbridge city councillor Fran Johnson had opposed the scheme, saying it would cause traffic problems, flooding and erase green space.

Resident Peter Morgan told the committee: “This site is about 400 metres down the road from Hollins Busk where there were over 500 objections to building on green fields and an application was refused by 12 votes to one.

“A very similar application at Wiggan Farm, Worrall, was before the committee some weeks ago and there was also significant objection and it was refused by nine votes to three.

“Local people are incensed about this raid on remaining open green spaces. We would ask the committee to maintain a consistent approach and refuse the Wood Royd application.

“A refusal will confirm the committee maintains a consistent approach on heritage green fields.”

Jim Lomas, on behalf of the developers, said Stocksbridge and Deepcar had been identified as areas for housing and economic growth and there was significant need for new family homes.

He said: “The site is located with a highly sustainable urban environment lying close to a wide range of local services and amenities. We should be looking at developing sustainable sites for residential development.”

But the board rejected the plans.

Coun Andrew Sangar said: “I remain completely unconvinced. The highway issues sound bad and we also have a brownfield first policy.

"This would be a big loss of open space and biodiversity and there’s also drainage issues.”

Coun Peter Price said: “This is an area of natural beauty and I’m surprised it’s not classed as green belt.

"There’s lots of wildlife and if you build on it, it ruins it for the future. We should look at retaining open space.”

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