Local residents on Grimesthorpe Road are expressing concern over plans to build two blocks of five-storey flats at the top of Smithies Field.
The developers, Redwall, have already begun to clear the site, although they don’t have planning permission to begin construction. Concerns about their actions were brought to the Messenger’s attention by Pete Hunt, who owns two houses next to where the flats are planned and has lived there for 23 years.
“I used to have a drive that gave me access to the land at back of my house. This has now been fenced off by the developers.”
Letters sent to Mr Hunt from the developer’s solicitors deny that there is a public right of way through that part of the land and have informed Pete that he has just 14 days to sort out any access issues. After this date he will no longer have access to back of his property through the site.
Since work started in July 2005, a path that is used by the public on Grimesthorpe Road to access the fields that lead onto Carwood has been blocked by the developers.
Whilst there I witnessed a group of bewildered looking walkers stumbling over a mound of rubble that has since replaced the path. Looking at the collection of burnt trees, rubble and waste it is hard to believe that just three weeks ago it was densely filled with trees and plants.
Alan Bullock, Pete’s next door neighbour comments on how sad it is to see the place demolished:
“The developers have just been cavalier in their whole approach, their planning application said they would leave major trees, but they seemed to be clearing as much as possible.There has been wholesale destruction of the wildlife habitat for no real reason – this area has been home to song thrushes and sky larks; we often see bats.”
Alan hopes the Council will think twice before granting planning permission for the flats:
“Residents are planning to object to the proposals, mainly because fivestorey blocks are completely inappropriate, they’re just too tall. Some of the flats they are planning are tiny, 26 square metres are the smallest, which is no bigger than a large living room.They are trying to sell the idea that they are low-cost starter homes, but £50k is not cheap for something of that size.”
Another Grimesthorpe Road resident, Philip Ward, told us:
“The developers own all the land at the top of Smithies Field, but they have only put in an application to build on 90 metres of about a 350 metre stretch, and yet they are clearing the whole site.They seem to be trying to bounce the Council into a decision when the rest of the site comes up for planning permission, by clearing it and environmentally degrading it now.”
by Carl Rose
Redwall clear the site
Following an urgent phone to the Messenger on 17th August 2005, I went to Grimesthorpe Road to find Redwall in the process of clearing the entire site.
On the road I ran into Reg Drabble, a local resident, who was very concerned about the work being done and what residents are being told.
He had been told all current works were to be carried out further up Grimesthorpe Road and the site near to Carwood wouldn’t be touched for three years. However, while we were speaking, Thomas Higginbottom, the site supervisor for Redwall, admitted to Mr Drabble that wasn’t the truth.
I asked Mr Higginbottom if he realised local residents were unhappy about the clearance and would he consider stopping. He said he knew residents weren’t happy because his digger had been sabotaged, but Redwall owned the site and they were entitled to do what they liked with it. “We own it,” he said, “we are clearing away this eyesore and reducing health and safety risks, the site is full of rubbish and dead animals.”
I asked him whether they intended to put in further planning applications for building at which point he declined to continue the interview and answer any more questions. Reg then told him to expect a lot of opposition from local people.
by Gaby Spinks
Residents have been given until 30th August 2005 to register objections. However comments are accepted right up until the application is considered by the planning board, a date for this is not confirmed.
To comment on the plans contact Sheffield City Council Planning Department on 273 4215 or planningdc.north@sheffield.gov.uk or write to Howden House quoting reference 05/02963/REM.