Proposal for up to 260 new houses on green belt land near Sheffield
“The proposed development would not be likely to have a significant effect upon the environment”
A plan to build up to 260 houses in the north-east Derbyshire green belt will not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.
The proposal for agricultural land south of Barnes Farm, Barnes Lane, Dronfield Woodhouse, was unveiled in a request for an EIA screening opinion. Such requests are submitted prior to a formal planning application.
Responding to the request, a report by North East Derbyshire District Council planning officer, Phil Slater, disclosed that the site lies within a Primary Area of Multiple Environmental Sensitivity but is not in a conservation area.
To the south, the 11.3 hectares site – equal to 27.92 acres – adjoins the rear gardens of homes along Longcroft Road.
The site is bound to the north by open countryside, with Barnes Farm and associated caravan storage situated to the north-east.
Further agricultural land lies to the east. Residential dwellings are to the west of the site.
The report stated: “Proposed development would see redevelopment of football club for residential use and enable its relocation to Sheffield.
“It is likely that development may take time to come forward, but the public benefits of the scheme would be great."
The officer’s report concluded that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required.
The screening opinion request was submitted by Marrons Sheffield, a firm of planning consultants and architects.
In response, North East Derbyshire District Council’s principal planning officer Alice Lockett wrote: “It is considered that the proposed development would not be likely to have a significant effect upon the environment by virtue of factors such as its nature, size and location.”