Handsworth Green Belt Plans, S13

The Sheffield Plan includes an intention to build 1,738 new homes on green belt in the Handsworth / S13 area of Sheffield. This is over 40% of the green belt housing planned for the entire city of Sheffield. Residents of S13 are campaigning against this, with a Facebook group of over 1,500 members at the time of writing. We take a look at the plans to build on S13's green belt land.

Green Belt Developments in the Handsworth / S13 Area of Sheffield

The area marked SES30 in the below graphic is marked for the development of 868 new homes, a multi-faith burial ground (up to 4 hectares), and up to 5 hectares is marked for "education use". This area of land lies between Bramley Lane and Beaver Hill Road (S13 7JH). The entire area is 36.55 hectares, 24.8 hectares of which will be allocated to housing.

The Sheffield Plan notes that this S13 green belt area has been identified as impacting an area of known archaeological interest. So, any development plans must carefully consider the potential impact before submitting a planning application. Development proposals need to follow recommendations made in a Heritage Impact Assessment - or agree on other suitable measures with the Local Planning Authority.

S13 Green Belt Plans - Bramley Lane and Beaver Hill Road

Handsworth Hall Farm (Land at Finchwell Road - S13 9AS) is marked SES29 in the following graphic. The Sheffield Plan states this area will have mixed-use - with 20 hectares of the 56.92 hectare site for employment and 24.84 hectares for 870 homes. This site is next to the new Waverley housing development.

SES29 is within 250m of a historic landfill site so The Sheffield Plan states that an impact assessment would be necessary. In addition, assessment will be required to determine the impact of the nearby Environment Agency waste permit site(s). The plan states there is potential for contaminated land here too. It also notes that the opportunity to place a new station on the Barrow Hill railway line should be accounted for.

Handsworth Farm Green Belt Plans

More Information on The Sheffield Plan for S13

The Sheffield Plan acknowledges that development on both of the S13 green belt sites must minimise visual and landscape impact, protect archaeological assets, and address any flood risks identified in the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. It also notes that both areas must be assessed for the environmental impact, footpaths protected, and consideration given to agricultural land quality. A 15m buffer is needed next to the Local Wildlife Site, with green corridors to protect hedgerows and watercourses. Contributions to local road and M1 upgrades may also be required.

How to Object to Green Belt Plans in the Handworth / S13 Area

Join the local campaign to fight against green belt developments in S13. The campaign has raised £3,000 so far towards legal action, according to The Sheffield Star. You can read more about the campaign on the Save S13 green belt website. There are also plans for a residents meeting on Friday 13 June at Handsworth Social Club from 6.30 pm, led by Clive Betts, MP for Sheffield South East - who The Sheffield Star reports as saying “While we all recognise we need to be building more houses, this number is far too high for one area. “I am working with a residents campaign group to challenge this proposal at the public consultation. This is an opportunity to ensure your voices are heard when it comes to this unfair allocation of land being developed and the strain it will have on infrastructure and services"