Facts Matter: In 2012 our Oasis was government funded by Natural England. The grassland & Grazing projects objective is to manage our grasslands and safeguard the wildflower and wildlife for future generations to enjoy. The grazing project is part of a programme of strategic planting to link up the green corridors of Sheffield. In Summer, Parents love to bring their children to see the Highland cattle, Lemurs and other animals grazing. Animals are Supplied by Graves Park Animal Farm.  

Facts Matter: Residents of Owlthorpe believed that our Oasis is still covered by the agreement with Natural England. Under the freedom of information act I have received maps and payment structure. The map I have been using is from Natural England and shows the area that is covered by the agreement. The payment structure shows that Sheffield City Council started receiving payments in 2013, although the structure is still in place Sheffield City Council stopped taking payments in 2020???  

Facts Matter: Published 26th Feb 2020, by Lucy Ashton, Local Democracy Reporter. War of words breaks out over plans to build 500 homes on Sheffield wildlife haven. A war of words has broken out between councilors over plans to build up to 500 homes on a Sheffield wildlife haven. Beighton Liberal Democrat councilor Bob McCann is among those who oppose the development, saying it will damage the environment.

Fact Matter: After the proposal was rejected. Sheffield City Council (LPA) decided to use deception to achieve their objectives. They split the site up into units C, D, E and F. Plot F was left out and plot C, D and E were put up for sale. A proposal to build 74 properties on plot E was rejected.

Facts Matter: In deliberation Cllr Jack Clarkson explained that the site is a wildlife site and would be a massive loss of green space if developed, used by dog walkers etc. Cllr Andrew Sanger asked the question: Why were the sites not sold as one? It seems in deliberation that the council did not want an Ecology Impact Assessment. By selling them off separately they could avoid this type of assessment. Cllr Peter Garbutt said “All three sites should be taken as one site” and asked the question: Does there need to be an Environmental Impact Assessment if they are? He also had concerns about traffic problems. Labor Cllr Chris Rosling-Josephs explained that traffic in the area is horrendous, especially around Crystal Peaks but also in the surrounding area and that a full independent traffic assessment needs to be taken before the council considers any more developments in the area.

Fact Matter: The planning Solicitor, Kate, explained procedure and vote was taken with many of the committee siting traffic impact as the reason for rejecting this application. The result was 10 against with 2 abstentions. After the vote was taken Colin Walker Interim Head said “I think there is a significant risk if you throw Highways impact into this as a reason for refusal and that risk is that you effectively neutralize the site in residential terms.” Highways impact was removed from the legal document. I would like to know why Planning Inspector O S Woodwards refused to review this document?

For more information, please visit our website:

https://www.ecological-owlthorpe.org   

View our latest press release. 

Thank you for your support

Michael Meredith