Norton Aerodrome: Lawyers brought in over bid to evict travellers from Sheffield site used for Full Monty

A number of ‘unauthorised’ travellers ‘breached and occupied’ the old Norton Aerodrome site on Wednesday, March 22, according to Labour councillors representing the Birley ward, who said at the time that council officers had been made aware of the situation and were planning to visit the site for ‘discussions with the group’.

Nearly a month later, Sheffield Council is concerned that they still remain on the site, which is earmarked for housing.

Sheffield Council head of facilities management, Nathan Rodgers, said: “Council officers and relevant agencies have been in contact with the group who have occupied the area by the Norton Aerodrome and have asked them to vacate the land. Unfortunately, their informal efforts have been exhausted, therefore the Council have had no alternative but to take a legal approach to reclaim the land.”

The site, off Lightwood Lane, is currently disused but has been earmarked for housing, with the council’s draft Local Plan suggesting that 270 homes could be built there.

The site was historically used by the RAF during World War Two as a barrage balloon base, and was later turned into a driver training centre.

In May last year, drone footage showed how the land was being used as an operational base for the filming of The Full Monty TV series which is due to air on Disney+ this year. They filmed at several sites across the city.