Today it was announced that the Planning Inspector has upheld Sheffield City Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the proposed Loxley valley township, following a three-week planning inquiry earlier this year.

This is fantastic news, and a huge credit to the great work of Friends of the Loxley Valley and Campaign to Protect Rural England. The proposed development at Loxley was a huge source of concern for hundreds of people in Hallam, who were rightly worried about the impact the development would have on the local area and precious countryside. We should be protecting and expanding our green spaces for all to enjoy – not building on important green corridors.

The strength of community opposition to this development has been clear since the beginning, so I am overjoyed that the inspector found in the community’s favour. This decision should give hope to other communities across the country, fighting to protect green spaces and uphold local decision making.

Thank you to everyone who has campaigned tirelessly to make this happen.

You can read Friends of the Loxley Valley’s statement here, the Planning Inspector’s full decision here, and my original statement during the inquiry here.