MP rounds on critics of rail yard redevelopment

Clive Betts, who represents Sheffield South East, said the idea for the city’s Tinsley Marshalling Yards would provide jobs and could lead to more local businesses using rail freight instead of roads.

The aggregate depot has been proposed by subcontractor Aggregate Industries Ltd, which will provide materials to Amey for its 25-year PFI deal to replace and maintain Sheffield’s 1,200-mile highway network.

Its planning application has been opposed by James Newman, the chairman of the Sheffield city region local enterprise partnership (LEP), which has been set up to attract inward investment to South Yorkshire.

In a letter to city planners, Mr Newman pointed out that the sidings were in the LEP enterprise zone, which has been set up under a Government scheme for “modern manufacturing and technology” businesses.

He said an aggregate depot was “not consistent” with that vision, adding the applicant should “work with the local planning authority to identify a more suitable site, which is not part of the enterprise zone”.

However, Mr Betts said: “I recently visited the site and it seems to me to be an ideal location for the receipt and storage of materials for Sheffield’s important highways renewal programme.

“I have to say that I am mystified by the suggestions of James Newman that this development is somehow in conflict with the LEP’s economic development strategy.

“I think the LEP ought to be welcoming this initiative and then seeking to maximise the opportunities for local businesses to increase their rail freight operations.”

The planning application is being considered by Sheffield Council and a decision is due shortly.