Sheffield Labour councillors intervene to save popular green space from development

It’s after protesters gathered beside the land on Cobden View Road in Crookes, near the junction to Northfield Road after development workers tried to remove trees and hedges this morning.

Crookes and Crosspool councillor Anne Murphy claimed no permission had been given for work on the volunteer maintained site – which residents say they’ve used for more than 60 years.

She called South Yorkshire Police, Sheffield City Council’s enforcement officer and Cabinet Member for Development Bob Johnson to stop the work which she fears could disrupt nesting birds – after she was alerted to the disruption at 7.30am this morning.

But two trees had already been chopped down before officers arrived on the scene.

Labour councillor Anne Murphy said: “I contacted the Council’s enforcement officer, the local police, the Council’s ecologist and my Labour colleague Bob Johnson, who’s the Cabinet Member for Development.

“They were all brilliant.

“The Council’s enforcement was on site by 8.30am and the police shortly after, whilst the Ecology department communicated with the Police and gave them the appropriate information they needed to get the builders to stop the work.

“Councillor Johnson also put his support behind our officers and the Police in any action they need to take.

“I’m very grateful for their support in stopping the builders and supporting the local residents concerns”.

Work first began on the popular green space in Crookes over the bank holiday weekend, before the police were called when workers turned up and began boarding off the site but residents state they were not notified of the disruption.

Labour councillor and Cabinet Member for Development Bob Johnson said: “Council officers and the police were brilliant and acted really quickly.

“Advice was given in relation to disturbing nesting birds, which is an offence, as well as the potential requirement for planning consent in relation to the fence

“What I want to see now is a follow-up on the public right of way registration for the path at the side and steps, and see what we can legally do in other areas.

“There is currently no Public Right of Way recorded on this land.

“However, it is possible that rights have become established over time and this will be looked into.

“It is not appropriate for me to comment on the police investigation but needless to say we will assist them in any way we can”.

“If a Planning application is due to be considered, local residents will of course be able to raise any comments they may have before any decision is made by the Council’s cross-party Planning committee."

South Yorkshire Police are investigating the work.

Sheffield City Council have advised anyone who witnesses any disturbances to report this to the Wildlife Crime Officer on 101 using reference number 224 and the date.

The council claim no planning application has been validated for the green area.

Developer Mike Yafai, who Ms Murphy voiced her concerns to her, has declined to comment.