Green belt housing plans 'sound', say government

Controversial plans to build thousands of new homes on green belt sites in Sheffield have been modified by government planning inspectors.

The city's Local Plan has been considered by HM Planning Inspectorate following objections over proposals to develop 3,500 houses, schools, industrial units and cemeteries across 14 rural sites.

Inspectors at the public hearings said that the document was "sound" although some amendments were suggested.

Sheffield City Council said the Plan would enable derelict land to be regenerated as well as more affordable housing and jobs to be provided.

Both the council and campaigners submitted evidence at the inquiry's hearings in September 2025.

Inspectors concluded that the authority was justified in releasing the green belt land for development, but suggested reducing the number of planned homes at Wheel Lane and Middleton Lane from 148 to 66; on Creswick Avenue and Yew Lane from 609 to 592; and on Beaver Hill Road in Handsworth from 868 to 827.

They also agreed that a site on Eckington Way should remain earmarked for travelling showpeople.

The Local Plan sets out targets and land allocations for housebuilding and industrial development until 2039, and the council said the majority of work would not begin until the 2030s.

Leader Tom Hunt said: "The independent inspectors have confirmed the plan is sound in principle, subject to some required changes, and those changes must now be consulted on.

"It's an important opportunity for residents to comment on the proposed modifications before the inspectors issue their final report to the council.

"The Plan has a clear focus on developing brownfield land that has already previously been built on.

"Continuing without a Local Plan means remaining at risk of speculative, unplanned development and developments built without any infrastructure and without affordable housing."

The Plan will be updated with the modifications and it will go back to further public consultation at the start of March.

Public responses will be passed to inspectors, who will then send a final report to the council around the end of May. There will then be a six-week period for the Plan to be approved by the council, with a final conclusion expected mid-July,

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