Jim Barter : Digital Imagination

Please help.

I am writing this as a resident of Deepcar, Sheffield about a
proposed housing development very near to Wharncliffe Heath & Crags.

The proposal is to build over 400 homes at the site of disused sidings
at the old Deepcar Railway Station.

The proposal can be viewed here

Nb. The application initially says only 35 dwellings will be built,
but the associated plans say 445!

The local environment cannot sustain 400+ dwellings in this location, there are not enough schools, doctors or local amenities to support an additional 400+ families.

The proposed site is very near Wharncliffe Crags and Heathland, an important natural resource, recognised and protected by the forestry commission and would be bound to have an adverse impact on a fragile eco-system.

“The heath includes Iron Age and Romano-British archaeology of considerable interest. Part of Wharncliffe Heath is a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM), and part is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and County Nature Reserve. It is well-used by the community, many of whom wish to better understand its history.“

I have already objected to the plan online, If you believe that this proposal is wrong, you can do so to - object here

Contact these kind people at Wharncliffe Heathlands Trust to offer your support.

Write to your MP.

If you are not already aware of this, please help in anyway you can -
If you already know all about it then my apologies for ranting at you.

Many Thanks.

update.

A response from Dave Buttle, Wharncliffe Heathlands Trust

Dear Jim

I have been aware of the situation for about 3 years and have talked to
the city ecologist (one of our trustees) and our MP (our Patron) about
it on a number of occasions. I have presented evidence that proximity of
dwellings harms Nightjar populations, and have arranged for Sorby NHS to
survey the site. Despite the site being really good for dragonflies
(including Black Darter) and a foraging site for bats, and despite the
fact that it is on the R Don flood plain, it seems to be a done deal.
The site is officially classified as a brownfield site, and with the
government’s housing target, development is unavoidable so it would seem.

I would encourage you to continue making a fuss. In particular get in
touch with Angela Smith smithac@parliament.uk and the City Council.

I wish you the best of luck!

Dave Buttle

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