Sheffield politicians speak out against Green Belt plans
Sheffield politicians from two parties have criticised Green Belt development and other controversial proposals that have been retained in a key policy document despite protests.
Liberal Democrats on Sheffield City Council say that they are “very disappointed” that Green Belt housing and industrial developments are set to be retained in the draft Sheffield Local Plan.
The city council plan outlines what types of developments will be allowed across the city until 2039.
There was massive opposition to proposals to allow the use of Green Belt land for building homes and for industrial use.
Government inspectors ruled that the council’s draft plan did not include enough of either, so Green Belt land had to be considered.
Protesters made their case at public hearings held last year. However, the proposals for 14 sites, mainly in the S35 and S13 postcodes, have remained largely unchanged following the inspectors’ response announced yesterday (January 26).
They decided that the proposals, which will affect 3.5% of city Green Belt, are legally sound.
Frustrating
Council LibDem group leader Coun Martin Smith, who represents Dore and Totley ward, said: “We are extremely disappointed that many of the key changes proposed by local residents are not reflected in the post-hearings letter from the planning inspectors.
“It is frustrating that the thousands of comments and objections have seemingly been ignored and the council still intends to release green field sites within the Green Belt for development.”
Labour Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts underlined his opposition to proposals to use land in Eckington Way, near Crystal Peaks, for a travelling showpeople site and industrial uses. It also proved highly controversial.
Mr Betts said: “Let me clear I do not find this acceptable. There is robust evidence that over-development in the south east area has been continuous for some time now and the existing transport network is already over capacity.”
Impact
He is looking at restating objections in further public consultation hearings in March.
Mr Betts said: “In the meantime, I am calling on Sheffield City Council to reject this plan and recognise the profound impact this will have on communities in Sheffield South East, not just around Eckington Way but also with the unfair release of Green Belt land.”
LibDems also opposed the Eckington Way plans.
Kurtis Crossthorn, councillor for Beighton ward and group deputy leader, said: “During the hearings we heard how the road network in the south east of the city is already at capacity and yet the inspectors are content to pile more traffic on the streets.