Sheffield residents are being invited to share their views on proposed changes to the city’s long-term development strategy as part of a new public consultation. 

The consultation focuses on modifications to the Sheffield Local Plan, which will guide how the city grows and develops over the next thirteen years. 

The Plan sets out where new homes, businesses and infrastructure could be built and aims to shape Sheffield’s development up to 2039. 

Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield needs a Local Plan because we are a growing city.

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

A Local Plan, including site allocations, has not been adopted in Sheffield since 1998, which has made it difficult for the council to shape development to fit the city’s needs. 

The council is currently asking residents, businesses and community groups to provide feedback on the proposed changes before the consultation period closes on April 14. 

One of the Plan’s top priorities is affordable housing, in order to maximise the number of homes across Sheffield, some of which will be built on Green Belt land. 

The planning policies aim to protect green spaces across the city and encourage sustainable development to reduce carbon emissions.

Councillor Douglas Johnson of the Sheffield Green Party has spoken out about the Local Plan, regarding housing and potential environmental factors.

He stated: “Although there is a need for more housing, the term ‘affordable’ doesn’t necessarily mean housing that people can afford, it’s just a term that developers use.

“What we really need, and what the Greens campaign for, is housing that people can genuinely afford and this often means social rented housing, such as the council or a housing association.”

With growing environmental concerns surrounding the planning development on the Green Belt, independent government inspectors have stated that approximately only 3.5% of the area would be used.

Cllr Johnson added: “As Greens, we oppose most building in the Green belt, but if the Plan was rejected, it would lead to even more building in Sheffield’s undeveloped land.

“Without a new Local Plan, ultimately the government could step in and set its own plan, which would be much worse for the city.”