Green belt site housing verdict tomorrow

Developers want to build three new houses at the disused Rivelin Quarry but a council report says the plans are wholly unacceptable.

Rivelin Quarry is a green belt site where building is not normally allowed. It is set within a hillside and the report says the plans do not demonstrate the exceptional circumstances required to justify changing it.

The site has also been named by the Sheffield Area Trust as a site of geological interest.

According to the council report, the proposed houses "would appear out of character for the site" and the plan "makes no attempt to conserve or enhance the landscape and natural environment".

The old quarry is home to a large warehouse, mining machinery, a crane and a bed and breakfast business.

Because the warehouse and machinery are only 11 metres away from the proposed houses, the council report says they would "result in unacceptable living conditions for the future occupiers".

The developers, Neil Pritchard Associates, gained permission to create a masonry training school on the site but it remains unfinished. It was given the go-ahead because the council said it "would have provided diversification of the local economy as well as a valuable training facility". In contrast, "the provision of housing does none of the above".

Environmental groups and local residents support the plans.

Rivelin Valley Conservation Group said: "On balance the harm caused to the green belt would be outweighed by the benefits". It warns, however, that lack of a comprehensive scheme for the site could lead to more housing proposals in the future.

A neighbour said: "The scheme will offer an improvement to the site as the quarry is now tired and ready to be pulled down. It would be good for the future of Rivelin and encourage new residents to the area."