Planning

Land behind 67-69 Newfield Lane. The saga of the development of flats overlooking the Recreation Ground from the back of Newfield Lane continues to run and run.

It will be recalled that despite strong opposition at the time, Planning Consent was granted for the building of a three storey block of six flats on a house plot close on the boundary of the Recreation Ground. On the basis of this the builder applied for more and was again successful in obtaining consent for a second block of six further flats, despite more strong objections.

You may recall our concern (Spring 2001 Issue of Dore to Door) that there seemed nothing to stop similar development all along the western boundary of the Recreation Ground. Is it any surprise then that a new application has been submitted in respect of a third house plot, to have the presently approved house substituted by another three storey block of six flats?

We now have the prospect of three three storey blocks of eighteen flats and two houses overlooking the Recreation Ground. Or could it be that the builder will get consent for a further two blocks in substitution for the other two house plots? This would give thirty flats overlooking the rec. with all the consequences of the increase in traffic on Newfield Lane. Do the Planning Board really take any notice of local concerns.

Newfield Lane again. A planning application (98/0814P) has been made for the proposed development of a Dog an Cat Boarding Kennels on land surrounding the bungalow on the west side of Newfield Lane (opposite the end of Kerwin Road).

This land is in the Green Belt and in a very sensitive situation. The proposal includes new buildings for forty dogs and forty cats including a two storey administration block, vetinary and staff accommodation, two isolation buildings and a car park.

The development would be a massive intrusion into Green Belt, apart from the inevitable noise, and traffic. The Society has objected in the strongest possible terms to the proposal. Local residents have been circulating a petition in the area and the local councillors have objected. No planning decision has yet been given, but approval would have disastrous consequences in this part of Dore.

Good news at Gilleyfield. The Planning Application for demolition of the bungalow at 18 Gilleyfield Avenue and the building of four houses on the site has been refused. The decision of the Planning Board was unanimous, in the recommendation of the planning officers. In addition the committee proposed to place a Tree Preservation Order on the trees by the footpath and fronting Savage Lane.
Bad news at Gilleyfield. The developer has decided to appeal against the decision. In accordance with Planning legislation the appellant has had to advertise the appeal. This was done on the 22nd October in 'The Star'.

The Society will again be strongly objecting as soon as the formal documentation is through from the Council. Local residents immediately by the development should be notified of the appeal and will have an opportunity to object. Any other objectors should write in to the Council quoting the Council reference number 9A/0792P and the address, and giving the reasons for objection.

More bad news at Nab Farm. The developers of Nab Farm have cut down nine trees which were protected by the planning consent. It is understood that the Planning Department have instructed them to replant the site with nine new substantial trees.
It is a pity that these developers have been so insensitive to the situation and potential of this property in a prime position in the Dore Conservation Area.

Sadly we now have a television aerial on the gable end and a side gate out of scale to the adjacent stone wall.
'Blue Ridge', Ashfurlong Road. A Planning Application (9B/0908P) has been made for the demolition of the dwellinghouse on this site and the erection of flats. The developer, 'County Developments (Bakewell)', is the same as the builder of the flats at Newfield Lane.
The proposal is initially for 13 flats in one large four storey block. This is on the south side of the site, 10 metres from the boundary. The building will be well above the trees on the boundary and will overlook the houses in Burlington Road.

This application covers only part of the site and the developer has shown the outline of three more blocks of flats on the site, but has given no details of proposed numbers of units or height of the buildings. The Society has objected to the height and mass of the proposed building, and has asked that the whole development be considered as one and not dealt with piecemeal.

David Heslop

Unitary development Plan

The Sheffield Unitary Development Plan (U.D.P.) is now due for review. This is the document which sets out the city's planning policies, on which all developers, residents and owners of land and property in the area rely. It is this document which indicates what can and cannot be done in the city in planning terms.

The U.D.P. is therefor vitally important to the residents of Dore in the control of and consent for development proposals in the village. IT AFFECTS YOU.

The Council has begun preparatory work on the Review and in December the first report on the Review will go to the City Council Cabinet. This will set out the questions that are proposed to be looked at in the Review and the timetable for preparing it. The report will mark the launch and the beginning of informal consultation.

The Planning Officers undertaking the review will want to hear from anyone, wishing to make their views known. The Dore Village Society will be in consultation with the planners preparing the initial draft.

If anyone has particular views on strategic planning issues concerning the village, they can contact the Society on such matters, but there will be opportunities to raise issues with the Council direct in due course.

David Heslop

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