Developer takes first step of scheme to build green belt homes in Handsworth in face of controversy
The earliest plans for the 870 home scheme were first submitted in 2016 - by the Duke of Norfolk
A developer has taken the first step to develop green belt land in east Sheffield despite scathing opposition from residents.
The Handsworth Hall Farm scheme earmarks a 140-acre plot of land off Finchwell Road, also known as the Orgreave Park site, for 870 homes and a 49-acre business park.
It is one of many under the controversial Sheffield Local Plan that could consume 800 acres of land on 14 green belt sites in order to build 3,500 homes by 2039 to meet demand.
The developments have been staunchly opposed by protestors such as ‘S35 Hands Off Our Greenbelt’, ‘S12 Green Belt Action Group,’ ‘Save CEG Greenbelt’, and MPs like Clive Betts, who says less affluent areas of Sheffield like Handsworth stand to lose the most.
Now, a developer has taken the first step towards building the Handsworth Hall Farm plan.
‘Handsworth Farm Partnership’ announced on August 5 it had submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Request to Sheffield City Council.
It is the intention to begin speaking with technical bodies, holding consultations and drawing a ‘masterplan’ to get the homes built. A planning application has not yet been submitted.
A spokesperson for Handsworth Farm Partnership said: “Considering the opportunity that this site provides, we want to take our time to design a thoughtful and well-considered masterplan that can deliver wide-ranging benefits to Sheffield - supporting the city’s growth, creating high-quality jobs, and building sustainable, successful neighbourhoods.
“We’re therefore beginning the conversations that will help to shape key aspects of our masterplan, and are committed to sharing these ideas with local communities for their feedback in due course.”
It claims its goals include supporting a potential new railway in Waverley, and “designing a landscape-led masterplan, with green spaces to support wildlife and biodiversity.”
“Handsworth Farm Partnership is committed to engaging transparently and openly with local communities throughout the development process,” the developer said.
“Once early proposals have been developed, they will be shared for community feedback as part of a comprehensive pre-planning application consultation.”
One issue could be efforts for the area to receive heritage recognition for the Battle of Orgreave.
The Handsworth Hall Plan, designated SES 29 under the Local Plan, was first proposed in 2016 under instruction by the Duke of Norfolk Estates, originally for 1,500 homes.
Sheffield City Council claims it has had to choose green belt sites for extra housing because brownfield sites in the city have been “maximised”.