Developers at controversial housing development site told to clean up fly tipping in Loxley Valley

Sheffield Council has instructed the owners of the old Hepworth’s refractory works in the Loxley Valley to clear illegally dumped waste and keep vermin under control.

The council served the notices on Patrick Properties, who own the old factories, and on the owners of the adjacent Claremont House, a semi-derelict detached house that was formerly the social club for factory workers.

Councillors recently refused plans by Patrick Properties to build up to 300 new homes on the site. More than 900 local people had objected and council officers wrote a critical report advising councillors to refuse the scheme.

Patrick Properties is challenging the decision and has appealed to the planning inspector.

Developers envisaged homes, a community homeworking hub, cafe/restaurant, GP surgery, workshops, parking and commercial parking, a village green and public squares.

They said it was the only way of funding a clean-up of derelict refractory works that were abandoned by Hepworths in the early 1990s.

The council’s environmental protection service has posted ‘Enviro-crime scene’ notices at the factory entrance on Storrs Bridge Lane.

The notices tell the landowners they have 42 days to clear the waste then they must then inspect the site once a month to keep it waste-free. They could face fines of up to £5,000 if they fail to comply.

The notices include electrical and white goods, wood, metal, construction/demolition waste, glass, food waste and general household and commercial waste.

They must also remove materials that could provide ‘harbourage or food’ for rats and mice.

Coun Mark Jones, Cabinet member for environment, said: “We are aware that the site is vulnerable to fly tippers and are working with the site owners to encourage target hardening and discourage waste being dumped.

"The land owner has been requested to clear the existing waste.”

Patrick Properties was unavailable for comment.

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