Our campaign partners CPRE South Yorkshire have posted a scathing objection to plans for a new township of 300 homes in the heart of the Loxley valley.
They say the township proposed by developers Patrick Properties would damage Sheffield’s precious Green Belt countryside.
And they warn it would transform the beauty and openness of a much-loved valley on the edge of the Peak District National Park.
The developers claim the new township on the site of long-abandoned old factories would create a ‘sustainable’ new settlement.
But the CPRE dismiss this claim as ‘laughable’. They say it would be remote from the local services needed by hundreds of new residents.
They say it would swamp local roads with extra cars. This would add to congestion and air pollution at a time of climate emergency.
The CPRE urge Sheffield councillors to throw the plans out
The comments from CPRE South Yorkshire are contained in a detailed objection to the Sheffield City Council planning department.
The council’s planning committee must decide whether to approve the planning application. CPRE South Yorkshire say it should be thrown out.
Their main points are as follows:
- The township would encroach on open countryside and would breach both local and national Green Belt policies
- It would be remote, isolated and unsustainable, pushing up dependence on car journeys at a time of climate emergency
- The site is not designated for housing and is not needed for housing, as Sheffield is now building enough houses elsewhere
- It would do little to meet local demand for affordable housing
- The township would urbanise a quiet site on the edge of the Peak District National Park and would damage nature conservation and biodiversity
The CPRE also say the plans are far too vague, as the developers are seeking only ‘outline’ planning permission.
They warn the developers would then sell the land to housebuilders, who would not be tied to detailed planning approval.
- The full CPRE South Yorkshire objection is available from this website. Please click here to read or download it
- There’s still time to post your OWN objection! Our new leaflet gives guidance on how to do it. Please click here to read it
Who are CPRE South Yorkshire?
CPRE South Yorkshire are the local branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, otherwise known as the ‘countryside charity’.
Their aim is to make the countryside a better place for everyone to live, work and enjoy.
CPRE South Yorkshire have a sister organisation, Friends of the Peak District, who work to safeguard Britain’s first national park.
The Peak District is of course on our doorstep here in the Loxley valley!
We have worked closely with CPRE South Yorkshire and Friends of the Peak District for many years.
Our joint goal is to celebrate and safeguard our beautiful valley and to protect it from damaging development.
The CPRE is an independent charity. It has a small team in Sheffield who are all experienced and passionate experts on the city’s countryside.
If you share our joint goals, we would urge you to support the charity in its work.
You can make a very real difference by making a modest donation. Or perhaps you might like to become a member?
