Peak District National Park Authority objects to controversial housing development on Sheffield's picturesque Loxley Valley

The Authority said it was "disappointed and concerned" over the lack of consultation to build a new township on the old Hepworth's refractory site.

Developers Patrick Properties want to build 300 homes on the site and say it's the only way of funding a clean-up of derelict refractory works that were abandoned by Hepworths in the early 1990s.

But 636 people have so far objected, saying it would ruin the ancient woodland, destroy wildlife, cause traffic chaos and be dangerous as the land is prone to flooding.

The Authority said, given the sensitive green belt location and close proximity to the National Park, it was disappointed that developers had not "engaged constructively" in preparing their outline plan.

"The applicant’s Statement of Community Involvement document states there has been direct engagement with the National Park Authority on this application. This isn’t the case, and gives us cause for concern.

"We have made constructive contributions at public open consultation meetings, and followed them up with requests to meet officers of the council.

"However the request has not been accepted. We consider therefore that whilst the council has had long engagement with the applicant, no serious recognition has, as yet, been given to the council’s duty to the National Park under the Environment Act."

The Authority also said it was surprised the council was considering granting outline planning permission.

"Illustrations of the proposed scheme and site layout are indicative, with the applicant’s desire that all matters other than access are reserved for future agreement between themselves and officers.

"We consider this unacceptable for such a significant development in the green belt. We also consider that granting outline permission will greatly reduce the ability of the council to secure good outcomes."

The Authority has objected to the application saying it will damage biodiversity and landscaping, create traffic and travel problems and do little towards carbon reduction.

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