Residents in Waverley are set to have an extra 1,638 homes built next door to them on greenbelt land with no extra infrastructure – under fiercely fought plans which Sheffield City Council are keen to deliver.

On farmland off Highfield Spring – directly over the road from the Waverley housing site – up to Finchwell Lane in Handsworth – there are plans to build 870 homes.

Meanwhile, less than a mile away the council wants to build a further 868 homes on farmland known as the Bramley site off Beaver Avenue at Handsworth. 

This means the area stands to lose 90% of its greenbelt while the more affluent parts of the city remain unscathed. 

Both sites fall within the S13 postcode but will put pressure on the Waverley estate as no infrastructure to cope with the rise in residents have been put in place.

As well as this extra traffic congestion and pollution campaigners say the ‘grossly unfair plans’ will put pressure on schools and GP services which are already struggling and are angry the proposal will rip out areas teaming with wildlife which are well used by walkers.  There are also flooding risks and concerns due to previous minings in the area which have not been explored.

Campaigners have stated they understand new housing is needed but are seeking a fairer allocation across the city and for brownfield locations to be used.

They have already raised thousands of pounds to fight the council’s  ‘local plan’ – a blueprint for future housing development – with Handsworth-born Hollywood actor Sean Bean supporting their fight.

They are urging residents to sign a citywide petition against the greenbelt building ahead of a planning inspector’s decision: https://bit.ly/4ed8uiC

The group will be fund-raising to finance legal action against the council’s plans. You can find out more on the website https://saves13greenbelt.org.uk/ and the Facebook group https://bit.ly/4fsL5Mi