Statement from Stocksbridge and Upper Don Councillor Julie Grocutt:

“I am delighted that the council’s Planning Committee has rejected the Hollin Busk application.

“The proposal was causing a great deal of anxiety to many residents – with over 500 individuals raising formal objections. As a local resident and elected representative of the area, I have spent a great deal of time listening to local people’s opposition to this planning application.

“At the Committee meeting I made the case that the developer has no vested interest in what is built at Hollin Busk and that the proposed development would damage the ecology of the area, spoil the surrounding green spaces enjoyed by local residents and cause significant problems with traffic and parking.

“I also told the committee about the problems with drainage at the site and that, I believe, it fails to provide proper community cohesion. Quite frankly, this is not a space on which to build homes.

“I am delighted that the Planning Committee agreed with the case against the development, and I’m sure many residents will be welcoming this news today

“Of course we need more homes throughout Sheffield but it has to be done in the right way, and I am proud of Labour councillors for the approach of ensuring developments meet local needs and of using brownfield sites as a priority. The message from today is clear – green sites should be protected”