More than 500 people and eight community groups object to new housing development

More than 500 residents, an MP, conservation and wildlife campaigners have objected to plans to build homes on fields near a natural history site in Sheffield.
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Developers want to build 85 homes - reduced from 93 - on fields at the junction with Carr Road and Hollin Busk Lane, Deepcar.

However, the outline plans have prompted hundreds of complaints.

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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, Friends of Hollin Busk, Miriam Cates MP and Coun Julie Grocutt have joined 524 residents in opposing the plans.

Hollin Busk Lane and Carr RoadHollin Busk Lane and Carr Road
Hollin Busk Lane and Carr Road

In 1990, outline planning permission was refused for housing, because it would damage the ecology of the area, particularly nearby Fox Glen, which is an area of natural history interest and a local wildlife site.

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An appeal against this refusal was dismissed in August 1991.

Developers then came back with fresh plans in 2017 and residents were re-consulted in January 2020.

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Objectors say there's already significant new housing being built nearby, at Fox Valley, Stocksbridge and in Oughtibridge, and this open countryside should be left as green space between the built-up areas of Deepcar and Stocksbridge.

They say the site is a scenic rural green field, Fox Glen would be surrounded by housing and the homes would cause traffic and parking problems.

Planning officers have completed what they call a ‘balancing exercise’ - weighing up the pros and cons.

Officers say the development would mean the loss of a small area of countryside and views and goes against transport policies, because residents are likely to use their cars rather than walk, or get public transport.

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However, they also say it would deliver much-needed homes without encroaching on green belt land, create employment and boost the local economy.

On balance, they think the scheme should be approved, but it is up to councillors to make the final decision at a meeting on Tuesday, July 14.

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