Objections mount to farm’s gym and golf plans

People living in the upmarket Sheffield suburb of Dore, on the south-western fringe of the city, have gathered a petition bearing almost 240 signatures as they battle plans by one resident to erect a new building at his home in Newfield Lane.

The proposed development would house three garages and a workshop, as well as the golf practice area, changing rooms and gym.

Councillors, the Dore Village Society, the Dore Conservation Group and now the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have also objected to the application for a Certificate of Lawful Development.

The schjeme is due to be decided by members of Sheffield Council at a planning meeting on Monday, July 23.

Despite the weight of opposition – and the fact that the site lies within designated green belt land – planning officials have recommended that the application, for Newfield Farm, is granted.

The single-storey farmhouse, described as a “modest, detached dwelling” already has a tennis court and paddock, and objectors say the new development would represent a further “erosion of farming land, and conversion to building land”.

One objector wrote to Sheffield Council: “We feel the proposed planning application is grossly out of size and character with the existing and surrounding properties.

“The scale of facilities they are requesting is more akin to a commercial development. A priority should be on supporting the excellent local sports facilities in the area.

“The current beauty and open views of the green belt, that everybody enjoys, will be blighted for ever if this application is allowed to go ahead.

“It is unsightly and a totally inappropriate development.”

Another opponent said: “The design resembles a Travelodge and it would be a blight on the green belt land that gives this part of Dore its special character.

“Hundreds of people enjoy walking along Newfield Lane each week to enjoy the views and if this development were to go ahead it would be shameful.”

Among those objecting to the plans are ward councillors Colin Ross, Joe Otten and Keith Hill, and planning officer John King on behalf of the CPRE.

In total, 50 comments have been received by Sheffield Council from members of the public, in addition to the petition from Dore residents.

However, in the report set to go before next Monday’s meeting, planning officials say that “the activities proposed within the building can be considered to be incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling.”

Their report adds: “The scale of garaging is consistent with domestic requirements and the workshop, golf practice area and gymnasium are required in connection with the applicant’s hobbies and interests.

“In view of the above it is recommended that a certificate of lawful development is granted.”