Opposition to building plan for college site

Plans have been submitted to Sheffield Council to build 79 houses, 29 apartments, garages and car parking spaces on the site of the Loxley Centre on Myers Grove Lane and Wood Lane.

The new buildings would be on the upper part of the site while the lower part would see the demolition of the college buildings to turn the area into a leisure space with tennis courts, keeping the present football pitch and caretaker’s house.

But planning officers are recommending that next Tuesday’s West and North Planning and Highways Area Board refuse permission for the plan on the grounds it would harm the city’s green belt.

Developers have been interested in the plum site ever since Sheffield College announced it was to quit the site. It has since fallen into disrepair and become vandalised.

But local people are fiercely determined to protect the semi-rural setting of the Loxley Valley and want any development on the site to be restricted to its lower portion alone.

More than 150 letters of opposition to the plan have been received by planning chiefs, with just one in favour.

Objections have also been received from the Loxley Valley Design Statement Group and the Loxley Valley Protection Society.

A report to councillors says: “Whatever future use is found for the site, it should be in keeping with the area and conserve and enhance the landscape and natural environment.

“Members are advised that the response from the applicants has been disappointing.”