Two houses are set to be built on land in a Yorkshire surburb.

The dormer bungalows will be constructed on steeply downward-sloping site in Sandstone Drive, in Wincobank in Sheffield, which is next to a small reservoir on adjacent land owned by steel firm Sheffield Forgemasters.

The plan was approved at a meeting of Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee on Tuesday (July 21).

Objections were received from 19 neighbouring households and Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust. Concerns raised included loss of light to one house and the interruption of open views from homes opposite.

A view of Sandstone Drive, Wincobank, Sheffield with land on the right where two bungalows will be built.

placeholder image — A view of Sandstone Drive, Wincobank, Sheffield with land on the right where two bungalows will be built.

The wildlife trust objected that the site was cleared before planning permission was granted. It said there is a danger of further damage to natural habitats.

Planning officer Jacob George said the new homes would be an improvement on the current look of the land. He added: “It is unfortunate that the site was pre-emptively cleared.”

Mr George said that the land lies close to the Roman Ridge ancient earthwork but investigations show there will be no adverse effect to it.

Councillor Richard Williams said: “It is quite an extraordinary application. If they think they can safely build this, good luck to them.”

Chair Coun Mike Chaplin said: “It is a concern that the site was cleared beforehand. It was also rather sad to see a lot of litter on the site.

“We live in a city that was built on hills. Quite a lot of houses are built in steep locations. I don’t think it’s out of the ordinary in that regard.”