Petition launched over wildlife fears at proposed Sheffield Ski Village redevelopment
“Parkwood Springs is more than a development opportunity. It is a landscape, a wildlife habitat and a green space used and valued by local people”
A petition has been launched over fears that a proposed redevelopment of one of Sheffield’s most unique visitor attractions may disrupt local wildlife.
In July, New Zealand-based Skyline Enterprises announced their plans to redevelop the former ski village at Parkwood Springs.
However, locals have raised concerns about whether the proposed redevelopment may impact local natural land in the surrounding green space.
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“The problem is that the proposed development is not simply a redevelopment of the former Ski Village site. It would also take over areas of Parkwood Springs that are currently green space and accessible to the public,” organisers wrote on Change.org.
“We are not against the old ski village site being redeveloped. After years of dereliction, we understand that development there is likely to happen.
“What we are against is unnecessarily expanding development into the surrounding green space and taking land that local people and wildlife already use and value.”
The ski village opened in 1988 but closed in 2012 after it was damaged by a fire.
Skyline Enterprises have proposed turning the site into a “vibrant new leisure destination” - bringing in a ‘Skyline Luge’ gravity-based downhill karting experience , as well as a family playground, food and drink, and an indoor educational attraction.
Further plans could see the introduction of a zipline, surf wave experience and even a return of dry ski slopes.
Consultation is taking place until September 27, however petitioners are worried as the development is said to take over 10 per cent of the 150-hectare Parkwood Springs.
This is understood to expand out of the existing ski village site, with the petition’s organisers asking for clarity on what areas could be affected.
“We have found the maps and plans provided for consultation difficult to interpret,” the petition adds.
“For a project of this scale and potential impact, residents should be able to clearly see the boundary of the former ski village site alongside the proposed Skyline development boundary.
“People should not have to struggle to work out which parts of Parkwood Springs are currently accessible green space and which areas would be affected by the proposed development.
“We believe the public should be given clear, accurate and accessible information showing exactly which areas of Parkwood Springs would be developed, changed or lost.”
They have also called on the consultation period to be extended, arguing that it is not enough time to properly consider the development’s impacts, particularly concerning access to green space and damage to wildlife habitats.
The petition goes on to say: “We do not want Parkwood Springs to become another example of a large commercial leisure development changing a valued landscape and raising concerns about the loss of open space, wildlife habitat and public access.
“Parkwood Springs is more than a development opportunity. It is a landscape, a wildlife habitat and a green space used and valued by local people.”