Fears for wildlife prove setback to plans for ‘village’ on farmland
CONTROVERSIAL PLANS for a new ‘village’ on farmland in South Yorkshire have suffered a setback amid fears it could harm local wildlife.
Hallam Land Management wants to build up to 93 homes on fields near Royd Farm, between Stocksbridge and Deepcar, which is currently used for grazing.
It has yet to submit a planning application but around 150 people have already objected to the proposals for the 16-acre site between Hollin Busk Lane and Carr Road. The developer has now been told by Sheffield Council that it must provide an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as part of any application.
Although the proposed new homes would not fall within a protected area, the council says the increase in traffic emissions and noise could have a ‘significant impact’ on birds found at nearby wildlife havens.
The site is close to Fox Glen Wood and Cockshot Hill wlidlife reserves, and a short distance from the Peak District National Park.
John Hesketh, chairman of the Upper Don Action Group, said: “UDAG and many local residents have pointed to the many and varied environmental issues that the proposal raises: from wildlife to traffic, from impact on the Green Belt to pressure on local amenities, from extending urban sprawl to adding pressure on local schools and medical centres.
“All these factors and more are the reason why any planning application for such a large new ‘village’ on farmland must have a full examination of the impact on the environment.”
Hallam Land Management had argued an EIA was not necessary. It said site surveys suggested the land was not home to badgers, reptiles or great crested newts, and although 23 species of bird were identified it said there were not ‘significant numbers’ of any species present.
The developer did not respond for a comment.