Story: Fran Belbin
About 25 concerned residents attended a meeting on 9th November about a planning application for White’s Yard on the corner of Abbeyfield Road and Holtwood Road.
The application seeks permission for 14 four-bedroomed houses, 8 to be accessed via Holtwood Road and 6 via Abbeyfield Road. The Holtwood Road access is a worry for residents, significantly increasing traffic on a cul-de-sac that already experiences regular problems with parking and access. Holtwood Road resident Tim Neal said,
“It is dangerous enough already for children because most of us have to reverse on the road to get out. Adding a possible 20 vehicles will make it worse.”
School places
The size of the development is also a cause for concern. While Burngreave prides itself on being a welcoming community, there is already enormous pressure on local schools. It is unclear how school places, for example, will be provided for new kids moving into the large family homes.
The site is within the Burngreave/ Pitsmoor Area of Special Character and backs onto Burngreave Cemetery, containing several listed buildings and graves. Opposite the site is Abbeyfield Park, a registered historic park, with a grade II listed building. Those attending the meeting criticised the quality of the proposed build and the negative impact on the environment. Resident Linda Cawley said,
“We have lived with this site looking terrible for years. We don’t oppose new houses but we want it to be sensitive to the area; four-storey houses wouldn’t be.”
Derelict
However, Mr and Mrs White pointed out that new houses would be better than the derelict yard, and told the Messenger that all parking will be on the site, with some housing having access from Abbeyfield Road, minmising the impact on Holtwood Road. They also felt the development might improve local house prices and help reduce vandalism in Abbeyfield Park as some of the houses would overlook the entrance.
Planning application:
10/02890/OUT can be viewed on the Council planning website: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/planning.
Or visit the Holtwood Action Group Facebook page.