A Sheffield based housing company has unveiled plans for around 60 new homes in Loxley Valley including 10 worth over £1M each.
The ‘Center Parcs-style woodland homes’ costing up to £1.5M have been proposed to be developed on the old derelict Hepworth Factory site.
Sky-House are hoping to submit a planning application later this year, following the rejection of an earlier scheme by the site owners Patrick Properties to build 300 houses.
In 2021 The Planning Inspector ruled that a development of that scale would cause serious harm to the Green Belt setting and also questioned the sustainability of the development.
There were also nearly a thousand objections to the original scheme.
But a spokesperson from Sky-House has said they want to: “Ensure the beauty and tranquillity of the valley is preserved for future generations to enjoy.”
They also claimed that they will build these single story dwellings in a way that cleans up the derelict site.
Richard Hakes, member of the Friends of Loxley committee asked: “How do we ensure the developers promising everything and delivering nothing doesn’t happen? 60 houses are still 60 houses with all the car, sewage etc. problems. It will be interesting to see how this develops.”
The homes will use less energy and water, the homes will be for people of all ages at all stages in their life, with a series of larger homes for growing families and smaller homes for first and last-time buyers. Some heritage buildings will also be reused.
The plan also includes a community centre, cafe bar, sports facilities, footpaths and ponds open to everyone. If approved the project would start with a £5M clean up of the contaminated site between Loxley Road, Rowell Lane and Storrs Bridge Lane.
Sky-House have said that they are beginning ‘pre-application’ discussions with Sheffield Council to determine what might be acceptable on the site.
The planned site of the development also poses challenges due to its very close proximity to Loxley Water Treatment Works and the neighbouring fisheries.
The factory ended operations nearly 40 years ago and since then has not been in use leaving the 20 buildings to crumble.
