Buffer zone reduced

AN APPLICATION to reduce the buffer zone with Sheffield's green belt in Ringinglow has been approved – despite complaints it could endanger the sensitive city edge location.

Councillors agreed to allow any future development on the site of the former Ringinglow Fire Station on Ringinglow Road to be built closer to the boundary of the site.

The green belt starts where the fire station site ends and previous outline planning permission said that a 15-metre buffer zone should surround the site. But developers wanted the zone reduced to 10 metres along its southern boundary and five metres along its western boundary.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Local MP Nick Clegg, Coun Sylvia Dunkley and Coun Mike Reynolds were among 55 objectors to the plan.

Residents had also expressed concern that any development would be "dense" and could detract from the green belt.

Coun John Hesketh described Ringinglow Road as "the single most spectacular city to country view in the country".

He said: "It is a spectacular view and this site sits on its visual line. We should be maximising protection, not minimising it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Our job is to protect the green belt. Other than the developers trying their luck I can see no reason to change the protection order. This site is exceptionally sensitive."

The meeting heard that developers had offered a compromise whereby they would agree to greater protection of a Victorian pond in return for changes to the buffer zone.

Councillors at Sheffield Council's City Centre, South and East Planning and Highways Area Board agreed to the compromise plan.

Click here to return to main news index.

Got a view? Add your comment below.

Related topics: