Plans for a development on greenbelt land has caused outrage among Sheffield residents.
Residents at one of these sites near Bramley and Beaver Hill are protesting against this decision on the grounds of pollution and mental health, and also the hypocrisy of the local council.
Laura Marples, a concerned resident from area, said: “The council go on about a clean air city but contradict themselves. They’ve introduced clean air in the city, but are we not entitled to it?
“Pollution is the main thing, the amount of wildlife there is in that area that will be affected. They’ve got bats, deer, newts, you name it its there.”
External groups have come to the support of the residents, with the RSPCA stating the irony that the first city in Britain to be awarded greenbelt status was now the site of the start of the battle to save these areas.
Last month Sheffield City Councils announced plans to build 3,948 on 14 greenbelt sites in the city, as well as three schools and two graveyards all as part of Government requirements that state the city needs 38,012 by 2039.
One reason for the local residents anger is the lack of notice they were given.
Mrs. Marples said: “Its been dumped on us at the last moment.
“The local councillors have been useless, we have to badger them all day but they’re happy to bury their heads.”
The area targeted for the development is used by local residents for dog walking, and a space for fresh air.
A group in the area is now lobbying the council to delay voting on the development at a meeting planned for May 14th to allow time for proper community engagement.
A Go Fund Me page to help fight legal action has been set up by the group Opposition To The Planned Removal of Green Belt Land in S13. The page outlines the issues the locals are facing, not only through the loss of the green sites, but how the development will add to the pollution, and how local services such as schools and healthcare are at their limits.