A levelled playing field? Loss of green spaces in Sheffield

[walkermark 10]

A levelled playing field?

 

Over the last few years many former school playing fields and other open green sites have been built upon. This represents an important loss of recreational green space for Sheffield's communities. Many of these sites were, originally council owned. Permission to develop such sites appears to be granted in a straightforward manner. Examples include:

 

Abbeydale Tennis Club (15/03543/REM; Private site).

Abbeydale Grange School, Hastings Road (58 houses; October 2015 ; 15/03543/REM).

Fir Vale School Playing Fields on Earl Marshall Road/ Barnsley Road. (59 houses, March 2015; REF 15/00659/FUL),

Greaves Lane, Stannington (39 homes; September 2017; 17/0711/FUL).

King Ecgbert's School, Furniss Avenue (58 houses; May 2015; 15/01504/FUL).

Park Grange: Cardock Road/ City Road. (96 houses; November 2016; REF 16/04516/FUL).

Parson Cross College: (79 houses; August 2016; REF: 16/03038/FUL).

Westfield School: (150 houses; August 2011; 16/00375/FUL).

 

There are many small areas of derelict land around the city more suitable for development. Use of such unused sites would reduce the pressure to develop further sports grounds and fields. However, small developers wishing to slot houses onto such derelict land encounter problems overcoming the 'Sheffield Development Framework', also known as the 'Local Plan'. This document details which types of development proceed in specific parts of the city. However, often the rigidity of the plan means development in suitable places is hindered. A level playing field for all could ensure that precious green space in the city is preserved and derelict unsightly areas utilised to their full.

 

A new version of the 'Sheffield Plan' is currently being drafted to direct development until 2034. Those with an interest in development should examine this plan carefully when it is published this spring. Are more playing fields and school sites being developed?

[hackey lad 3,928]

I think its just a matter of time before the playing fields of the old Carter lodge secondary , now Rainbow Forge , in Hackenthorpe , are sold for housing