Over the Bank Holiday weekend work began to board off the green
area and block access to the path from Northfield Road to Cobden
View Road. No warning of any kind was given to local residents and
no evidence of a planning application can be found on
Sheffield’s planning
application site.
Without any planning permission or application to work next to a public highway, Contractors have erected an 8ft high solid wooden fence around the entire plot. The loss of this open space has caused great distress to local residents because it was pleasant to use and pleasant to view and therefore beneficial to our physical and mental health not to mention its positive contribution to the local environment and property values.
The plot has been enjoyed by local residents for over sixty years as an open space for recreation and picnics in addition to the convenience of the path which provides a shorter route between Northfield Road and Cobden View Road. For the past few years, the plot has been tended by volunteers from St Thomas’ Church, St Timothy’s Church and other local residents who have maintained the grass and shrubs and planted a beautiful floral display in the north corner.
The footpath across the plot has been in daily use for decades. A
public right of way cannot be obstructed by a landowner.
We have been informed that the new owner intends to build one or two shops, with a block of flats above. As far as we can tell, no application has yet been made to the Council for planning permission. We will strongly oppose any application for a change of use which entails enclosing the plot and removing the greenery.
The junction of Cobden View Road with Northfield Road is very steep and angled. We are concerned about the safety of the junction. Any building which extends more than halfway across the plot will reduce a driver’s view to the point where it will not be safe to emerge out of Cobden View Road.
A block of flats would bring an increase in road traffic and car parking. There is no on-street parking available because the open sides of the plot border onto a road junction and the site itself is too small for parking.
The spectacular views to the horizon are a feature of Crookes by
virtue of its elevation and they contribute towards making it a
popular and desirable place to live. Any development on this plot
would obscure the uninterrupted view of Sheffield which is
currently enjoyed by pedestrians and residents on Northfield Road
and Netherfield Road and by customers at the popular Italian
restaurant at the top of the street which is a thriving local
business.
Yours sincerely,
Crookes Community
Started by: Linda Hennessy
This ePetition ran from 26/05/2020 to 07/07/2020 and has now finished.
673 people signed this ePetition.